Before applying to this apprenticeship, please check that you meet all entry requirements. 

The IFS Specialist apprenticeship is aimed at those who have work experience and relevant educational qualifications. 

Minimum Academic Requirements

The IFS apprenticeships are 2-years in duration. The apprentices spend 80% of their time working in IFS companies and the remainder gaining specific IFS qualifications. 

This programme is structured over two calendar years. Off-the-job modules run three 12-week semesters per academic year (September - August), while on-the-job modules are structured to run over the length of each academic year. Assessment of off-the-job modules comprises a combination of continuous assessment and exams.

On-the-job assessment is via an ongoing electronic portfolio of work-based evidence that is submitted in year 1 and in year 2.

Year 1

Semester 1 - Data Programming

Semester 2 - Financial Markets 1

Semester 3 - Business Data Analysis

Year 2

Semester 1 - Financial Markets 2

Semester 2 - Data Management

Semester 3 - Data Mining & Machine Learning

IFS Specialist Apprentices will graduate with a Higher Diploma in Financial Services Analytics at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Training is run by the following college:

• National College of Ireland

The IFS Specialist apprentice role is for:

• Career changers
• Those with prior career experience and transferable skills
• Third level qualification already attained
• Motivated by upskilling and by prospect of an IFS career

Given the target technical market for graduates of this programme, candidates will be required to demonstrate:

• Technical problem-solving skills or
• Mathematical problem-solving skills.
• Logical and creative thinking skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
• Can use own initiative
• A thorough and organised approach
• Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
• Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment
• Results Focus

IFS Specialist Apprentices will work four days per week in their company and study for the remaining one day per week in NCI over a two year period.

An IFS Specialist Apprentice will get you:

• A two year fixed term contract in an International Financial Services (IFS) Organisation
• A paid apprenticeship while you work and study
• A recognised qualification in the National College of Ireland's state of the art campus in the IFSC
• A Higher Diploma in Data Analytics or Fintech
• A two year fixed term contract in an IFS organisation in a relevant role

Career progression opportunities are excellent for Apprentices.  An apprenticeship will help boost your CV and create a new and exciting career path.

There are many opportunities for you to continue to upskill & learn, while you develop your experience working.  

Note: People in employment have a number of options for both Educational and Career Progression. It might also be possible to gain promotion within your existing company.  By using your existing qualifications and your experience you might to able to secure an alternative position in a more senior role in another company. It may also be possible to set up your own company based again on your existing qualifications and experience.  Whatever route you decide to take remember education is a lifelong pursuit and you can always continue to up skill and/or retrain, whatever your age.  Links to some educational and enterprise supports can be found below.    

Career Progression Useful Links:  

Educational Supports:  

On completion of an apprenticeship your educational progression options may be offered as full awards on the NFQ levels 7-10 National Framework .  You may also decide to embark on a partial award or to up skill in a particular area by undertaking a short specialised course.  

Depending on your skills, knowledge and experience some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway.   

• Springboard & conversion courses  
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses
• Skills to advance Local ETB Board
• Further education training centres Fetchcourses
• Post graduate education Search Post Graduate options

In order to secure an apprenticeship, you must first secure a contract with an employer. You must apply directly to an employer rather than the training provider. Once you have found an employer to take you on as an apprentice, your employer must then register you as an apprentice with SOLAS.

• The employer must be approved to train apprentices.
• The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

How to apply

Step 1

Fully complete the application on www.ifsapprenticeships.ie

Step 2

All applications are reviewed by the education provider to ensure candidates have the relevant academic qualifications.

Step 3

Candidates with relevant academic qualifications are invited to a pre-screening interview

Step 4

Employer selection events - selected candidates will commence in-company recruitment process

Step 5

Successful candidates will receive a two year fixed term contract, commence academic apprenticeship programme. APPRENTICES WILL PAY AN ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE ON COMMENCEMENT TO THE ACADEMIC PROVIDER

Applications will be reviewed based on relevant academic qualifications. Successful applicants will be invited to a pre-selection event to be interviewed by a selection panel. Successful applicants from the pre-selection event will then meet with recruiting companies. 

What then?

When successful candidates are recruited by financial services organisations, the relevant recruitment process will commence in the organisation.

                           

             

 

Jonathan Brittain

National College Ireland, Dublin 1 

Tel: 1800 221 721
Web: ifsapprenticeships.ie

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Organisations supporting this apprenticeship

Where we know of supporting organisations we list these below:

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

IFS apprentices are paid in excess of the national minimum wage and receive training and education valued in excess of €10k. Salaries range from  €23k  to  €32k  depending on the level of IFS Apprenticeship undertaken.