Institute of Risk Management set to offer Modern Apprenticeships in Risk and Compliance

Modern Apprenticeships afford any individual over the age of 16 the opportunity to work in a paid job while undertaking workplace training in order to gain new and enhanced skills in parallel with recognised professional qualifications. All apprenticeships include elements of ‘on the job’ and ‘off the job’ training, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to evaluate the apprentice’s ability and competence in their job role.

For their part, employers can access funding including incentive payments of up to £2,000 for any apprentices hired before 31 January 2021.

The IRM qualifications that meet the Modern Apprenticeship standards are the IRM International Certificates in Enterprise Risk Management and Financial Services (Level 3) and the International Diploma in Risk Management (Level 6).

Iain Wright CFIRM, chair of the IRM, said: “We’re delighted to be able to make this announcement. Apprenticeships are a great way for people to earn as they learn and also receive a recognised qualification from the Institute,  whether that be with a view towards kick-starting their working life or furthering an established career with a new set of skills.”                                                                                     

Wright added: “The pandemic has hugely impacted the unemployment rate of 16-to-24-year-olds which some forecasters predict could reach more than 20% because of COVID-19. The employment market is volatile just now, but this initiative can go some way towards securing the futures of young people. It’s exciting that the IRM will be playing a central role in helping to educate the next generation of risk managers. There are clear benefits to be realised for both the employer and the apprentice.”

Risk function experience

Louise Brennan, a risk-focused apprentice at Barclays UK Wholesale Credit, has recently completed her apprenticeship. “To be honest, I was hesitant at first,” ventured Brennan. “The word ‘apprenticeship’ leads to thoughts of school leavers rather than someone like myself who had been to university and then worked full-time for a number of years. I researched the options and became really excited about the possibility of working and gaining experience in the risk function. It’s an area that has received a lot of attention, particularly so since the financial crisis and now during the pandemic. It’s relevant to all businesses.”

Further, Brennan went on to state: “An IRM qualification is a great base for stepping into a career in risk management. It requires hard work and dedication to complete a qualification while you’re working, but there’s lots of support available.”

28-year-old Brennan graduated from Bournemouth University with a degree in television production back in 2011, but then found it difficult to find work in the specialist area she studied. That being so, Brennan ended up working as a customer service advisor for Barclays before hearing about apprenticeships and enrolling on the risk higher apprenticeship. Brennan graduated last month.

*Further information is available from Joanna Kraska (business development manager at the IRM) via e-mail: joanna.kraska@theirm.org

**Alternatively access this link: https://www.theirm.org/qualifications/apprenticeship-levy-modern-apprenticeship-in-risk-and-compliance/