Professional Banking Practitioner Apprenticeship 2027

Allied Irish Banks; Dublin; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid role with leading retail bank

UCD Level 8 degree pathway

Mentoring and coaching

IOB membership fees paid by AIB

Employee Assistance Programme

Family Leave Options

Job summary

Allied Irish Banks (AIB) invites applications for a three-year apprenticeship in Retail banking, based in Dublin or Co. Kildare locations.

You will work four days a week in retail teams while studying for a UCD BSc in Banking and Financial Services, NFQ Level 8, on-site or online one day per week, with mentoring and career development support. Successful applicants will become IOB members; AIB covers membership fees during the programme.

Qualifications

• Join AIB's Retail team and gain hands-on banking experience.
• Develop customer service, operations, problem-solving and relationship-building skills.
• Learn day-to-day banking services and build customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Join AIB's Retail business and gain hands-on experience in a customer-facing banking environment.
• Develop practical skills in customer service, operations, problem-solving and relationship building.
• Build confidence in understanding customers' financial needs and supporting day-to-day banking services.
• Participate in learning events, networking opportunities and professional development activities.
• Progress your knowledge, skills and responsibilities while working toward your UCD degree qualification.
• Successfully complete academic modules, workplace assessments and milestones over the three-year programme.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Leaving Certificate or equivalent

QQI/FET/PLC Business Studies pathway

Mature applicant route 23+

Job description

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• Why choose between work and study when you can do both?
• Looking for a role that combines real work experience, professional development, and a recognised degree qualification?
• Ready to develop valuable skills, grow your professional network, and shape your future career in banking?

Location: The apprenticeship will be located in one of our Branches, Customer Engagement Centres or Head Office locations in Dublin or Co. Kildare. These locations include;

• Airside, Swords, Co. Dublin
• Leopardstown, Dublin 18
• AIB Branch – Dublin City Centre
• AIB Branch – Dublin North
• AIB Branch – Dublin South

Why Join the IOB Apprenticeship Programme?

Earn while you learn

Combine paid work with part‑time study over three years, gaining banking experience while completing a UCD BSc in Banking and Financial Services (NFQ Level 8).

How the programme works

Work at AIB, in one of our Retail teams, four days a week and attend IOB/UCD classes on‑site or online one day a week, supported by practical experience, mentoring and learning resources.

Career opportunities

The programme is ideal for anyone interested in building a career in banking or finance, including customer service, operations, financial advice and business support.

The programme is scheduled to commence in October 2027.

Successful applicants will be required to become members of the Institute of Banking (IOB). Membership fees will be paid by AIB for the duration of the apprenticeship.

What You’ll Do:

• Join AIB's Retail business and gain hands‑on experience in a customer‑facing banking environment.
• Develop practical skills in customer service, operations, problem‑solving and relationship building.
• Build confidence in understanding customers' financial needs and supporting them with day‑to‑day banking services.
• Participate in learning events, networking opportunities and professional development activities with fellow apprentices.
• Progress your knowledge, skills and responsibilities throughout the programme while working towards your UCD degree qualification.
• Successfully complete academic modules, workplace assessments and programme milestones over the three-year apprenticeship.

What You Will Bring:

• A strong interest in developing a career in financial services.
• A commitment to learning and personal development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age on or before 31 August 2027 and have the legal right to work in the Republic of Ireland.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must meet one of the programme entry pathways:

• Leaving Certificate entry route.
• QQI/FET/PLC Business Studies pathway.
• Mature applicant route for candidates aged 23+ with relevant work experience.
• Applicants may apply while awaiting Leaving Certificate or PLC results.
• Where relevant, applicants must also meet the English language proficiency requirements and obtain an NUI exemption. Further details are available on the IOB programme webpage .

What's in it for you?

Alongside valuable experience and development opportunities, you'll enjoy:

• A paid role with one of Ireland's leading retail banks.
• A fully supported pathway to a UCD Level 8 degree.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues.
• Valuable workplace experience from day one.
• Opportunities to develop professional, technical and customer service skills.
• IOB membership fees covered by AIB throughout the programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Family Leave Options

At AIB, our values guide how we work and how we support each other. We're looking for ambitious and motivated individuals who are ready to start their career journey while earning a qualification and gaining valuable workplace experience.

Eligibility and Equal Opportunities:

Applicants must be resident in the Republic of Ireland and be fully authorised to work, or hold a valid work permit, for the full duration of the programme. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the Republic of Ireland. AIB is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.