A new apprenticeship programme for banking has been launched by IOB in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB. The Professional Banking Practitioner Apprenticeship enables participants to earn an NFQ Level 8 degree while gaining paid, practical experience in the banking sector. Apprentices will work in the sector while studying with IOB, a recognised college of UCD.
Delivered as part of Generation Apprenticeship, Ireland's national apprenticeship programme, the new apprenticeship creates an alternative pathway into financial services. It enables participants to begin building their careers while earning a starting salary of at least €30,000 and developing the skills, qualifications and experience needed for long-term success in the sector. The apprenticeship provides a structured route into roles in areas such as financial advice, customer service, operations and banking support.
The programme is suitable for school leavers or any individual seeking a change of career path. Entry requirements are designed to be inclusive and flexible. The programme is open to Leaving Certificate students and to holders of a relevant QQI-FET award. The programme is also open to international and mature applicants, with equivalent or alternative entry routes available. Applicants must be 18 years old on or before 31 August 2027.
Successful applicants will be employed by one of Ireland's retail banks for the duration of the three-year programme, combining four days of workplace learning each week with one day of academic study. Apprentices will earn a BSc in Banking and Financial Services and the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation.
75 places will be available on the first intake. Applications are now open, with apprentices commencing the programme in October 2027.
Welcoming the launch, Geraldine Casey, IOB President and Managing Director of Retail Banking, AIB, said: "This apprenticeship programme represents an exciting alternative pathway into the industry. Successful applicants can start their career, earn a salary and work towards a university degree and a professional qualification, all at the same time. Banking needs talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, and this programme gives people a real choice in how they begin or develop their careers."
Mary O'Dea, CEO of IOB, said: "Banking and financial services are changing rapidly, and the skills people need are changing with it. Apprentices in this programme will learn by doing, working alongside experienced colleagues four days a week while building their knowledge in the classroom in everything from financial advice and customer service to data, AI and risk. By the time they finish, they will have a degree, a professional qualification and three years of real-world experience, giving them a strong foundation for a long and rewarding career in financial services”
Colin Hunt, CEO, AIB, said: "The future success of our industry depends on attracting and developing talented people from all backgrounds. This apprenticeship programme creates a new and inclusive pathway into financial services, enabling people to earn while they learn, gain valuable workplace experience and achieve recognised qualifications. As banking continues to evolve, bringing together diverse perspectives and future-ready skills will be critical. At AIB, we are proud to support this initiative and to invest in the next generation of talent who will help shape the future of financial services in Ireland.”
Myles O’Grady, CEO, Bank of Ireland, said: “This apprenticeship widens the routes into the industry, offering talented people from different backgrounds, communities and parts of the country the chance to build a career with us. A more diverse workforce reflective of the people we serve makes us a better bank, and we are pleased to support a programme that helps make that happen.”
Eamonn Crowley, CEO, PTSB, said: “We are delighted to partner with IOB to offer a new structured route into the sector, with the support of mentors and experienced colleagues every step of the way. At PTSB, we are excited to welcome apprentices who will bring fresh ideas and energy to our business, and to help them grow into the next generation of banking and financial services professionals.”
The curriculum begins with the core Qualified Financial Advisor modules in year one, covering regulation, loans, life assurance, investments, pensions and financial planning, alongside customer service and digital communication. In year two, apprentices progress to data, big data and AI, the responsible use of AI in banking, applied economics, accounting, credit risk and applied financial advice. The final year focuses on banking and risk management, strategic management and innovation, coaching and people skills, and culminates in a capstone research project.
Apprentices will be supported throughout by workplace mentors, lecturers and industry professionals. Assessment combines practical work-based tasks with academic coursework, and the programme begins with a one-week in-person induction. Classroom learning will be delivered online or in person, depending on the programme schedule.
Further information is available at: Programme | IOB