Zurich Insurance Adds 2 Colleges to Support U.S. Apprenticeship Growth

To power the expansion of the Zurich Apprenticeship Program this fall, Zurich North America is onboarding two additional education providers. Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) will deliver agribusiness curriculum to apprentices in Zurich’s crop insurance business. Harold Washington College will provide coursework to downtown Chicago apprentices based in three Zurich business units: U.S. National Accounts, including International Programs; Middle Market; and Life, Accident and Health.

The pioneering Zurich Apprenticeship Program, launched in 2016, is hiring more than double the typical number of apprentices for the cohort that will start the program in August. Zurich is currently recruiting for 75 positions based in different areas of Zurich’s business in 16 states. Cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York City, Overland Park (Kansas), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Schaumburg (Illinois) and Winston-Salem (North Carolina). Crop apprentices will be in states such as Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Washington.

This year’s cohort will be the largest in the history of Zurich’s U.S. program, which was created to widen Zurich’s talent pipeline and open new earn-and-learn career pathways for non-degreed talent, including high school graduates, career changers, those re-entering the workforce after a hiatus, and veterans.

Zurich starts a new U.S. cohort every year. From their first day, Zurich apprentices earn a full-time salary and benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. Apprentices work three days a week at Zurich and focus on coursework two days. Zurich covers their tuition. Upon completion of the two-year program, apprentices earn an associate degree and a Department of Labor apprentice certification.

Approximately 14 businesses and functions at Zurich are hiring apprentices this year, some for the first time. There are opportunities in underwriting, claims, sales, IT, cyber, crop insurance, life, international programs, communications and more.

“We are excited to expand our apprenticeship program once again,” Kristof Terryn, CEO of Zurich North America, said. “Working with NICC and Harold Washington College, in addition to Harper College and BMCC, will help us meet a clear and critical business need. It also will create meaningful career and education opportunities for motivated individuals who otherwise might not have access to them. Through education and on-the-job learning, apprentices develop skills that have tremendous value at Zurich and in the marketplace. Hiring people representing a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives helps us to better serve our customers and communities.”