The Department of Labor's John Ladd spoke about the power of apprenticeship at APCIA's Women & Diversity: Expanding Opportunity in Insurance summit. (Photo: APCIA/Twitter.com)
At the Women & Diversity: Expanding Opportunities in Insurance conference in New York on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) launched a new program focused on establishing insurance apprenticeship programs all across the country.
Insurance Apprenticeship USA is a joint project by APCIA in collaboration with Zurich North America, the U.S. Department of Labor, The Hartford, and Aon to bring together industry professionals across the industry in an effort to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the sector.
During the conference's Expanding Opportunities Through Apprenticeships luncheon, John Ladd, Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship at the Department of Labor, spoke about the power of apprenticeship and highlighted a few key supporting numbers.
According to the Dept. of Labor, workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their career when compared to peers who don't. Additionally, 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing their apprenticeship program.
Joining Ladd in the panel was Francis Bouchard, global head of public affairs & sustainability at Zurich; Al Crook, HR business partner head at Zurich; Kristen Dodge, learning director at The Hartford; and Jesus Gonzalez, deputy global practice leader, intangible assets at Aon Commercial Risk Solutions.
During the panel, executives highlighted each of their company's existing apprenticeship programs and their successes. Panelists also discussed how apprenticeship benefits business and how it could help combat the industry's talent gaps and labor challenges.
"Since 2016, we have seen the power of apprenticeships to change lives and channel new, diverse talent into our business," Kathleen Savio, CEO of Zurich North America, said in a statement. "We believe apprenticeships can help fuel innovation across the insurance industry while solving for societal challenges such as the expense of higher education, unequal access to opportunities, and the growing need for technological skills."
Those interested in joining the movement to expand insurance apprenticeship can contact APCIA Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Jessica Hanna (jessica.hanna@apci.org).
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