| Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Zurich in Ireland Conor Brennan said, “We are delighted to launch this new programme with WWTS, who have been integral to its development. This traineeship forms part of Zurich’s commitment at a global level to develop initiatives in the communities in which we are located that help young people and those who are long-term unemployed to find their place in the workforce. In our call for applications, we are looking for people with lots of potential, who, with professional training and the support of our dedicated team in Drinagh, can learn the skills that it takes to work in a fast paced, customer focused business and realise an exciting career within the insurance industry.” | Eilis Leddy, Chief Executive of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board said, “We are very excited to have teamed up with this very successful, globally recognised insurance company to announce a new on-the-job and classroom training programme. It is a fantastic opportunity for those who wish to enter the insurance sector and this innovative specifically designed training programme offers a real first step on the career ladder for all participants. We look forward to meeting all of the successful applicants in September and also continuing to work with further business sectors in developing similar training opportunities in the region.” | 
The closing date for applications is Friday, 10th July 2015, following which an information session will be held by Zurich and WWTS to meet interested candidates outline the selection process and answer questions about the programme in collaboration with representatives from the Department of Social Protection. A training allowance will be paid to those who meet eligibility criteria.
Paula Hodson, Director of Development Services for the III added, “Insurance is a career choice that delivers that rare mix of opportunity, challenge and variety. Zurich Insurance is committed to educational development, offering employees the chance to earn as they learn through insurance education qualifications developed for the industry by The Insurance Institute of Ireland. I couldn't recommend insurance highly enough to anyone looking to progress professionally.”
The launch of the Insurance Traineeship Programme follows Zurich’s announcement in February of this year of 45 new full-time jobs at its Wexford business centre. Established in 2008 and part of the worldwide Zurich Group, Zurich’s Drinagh office is one of the largest employers in the South East Region, and carries out sales and provides claims and customer support to personal lines customers across home and motor insurance products.
Located in Drinagh, Wexford and Ballsbridge, Dublin, Zurich is one of Ireland's leading general insurance companies offering a wide range of products, from Private Motor, Home and Farm Insurance to Engineering and Commercial Property Insurance. The insurer’s Drinagh office also boasts cutting edge technology which was put in place to facilitate the speedy processing of claims and enquiries, while reducing paperwork.
Zurich Group has a total of over 1,200 employees across its life and general insurance businesses in Ireland. The Group’s European general insurance headquarters are located in Dublin and employ in excess of 17,000 people across the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region.
For further details on our Traineeship Programme please view this related article from the Sunday Business Post. 
Pictured from left to right are Eilis Leddy, Chief Executive of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, Conor Brennan, CEO of Zurich in Ireland, Patricia Delaney from the Department of Social Protection, John Cassidy, General Manager at Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, Paula Hodson, Director of Development Services for the Insurance Institute of Ireland, and Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council. |