Zurich launches Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship program
Zurich North America has posted open positions for its new Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship, an addition to the Associate Degree Apprenticeship the insurer began offering in the US in 2016. The new program comes just weeks after Zurich was selected by the US Department of Labor as a national Apprenticeship Ambassador.
The Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship program is designed for people who have completed two years of college coursework or an associate degree. The program enables them to complete a bachelor’s degree while starting a career with Zurich. The company pays for the apprentices’ remaining two years of college coursework, completed online through the University of Arizona Global Campus. Apprentices work 32 hours a week at Zurich and have eight hours a week reserved for academics, while earning full-time pay and benefits.
Al Crook, head of HR business partners and apprenticeship at Zurich, recently attended a White House event for a contingent of Apprenticeship Ambassadors, where First Lady Jill Biden spoke of the value of apprenticeship.
“The excitement around apprenticeship is palpable,” Crook said. “It’s evident that more organizations, parents and job seekers are recognizing apprenticeship as a great way to fast-track a career and build a diverse, future-ready workforce. It’s why we’re introducing our Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship.”
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“The impetus for this latest expansion is our desire to build on a proven, successful program,” said Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn. “It has been a win-win for our apprentice alumni and our business.”
Zurich’s Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeships are available in a variety of business areas, including finance; accounting and reporting; strategy, innovation and business development; information security; claims and more. Apprentices will have on-the-job coaches, access to mentors and the opportunity to develop professionally.
Hiring for the apprenticeships will continue through November, with the first class beginning their studies and work at Zurich in January. The program lasts two years. Apprentices who complete the program earn not only a degree, but a promotion to their next role at Zurich and a Department of Labor Registered Apprentice certificate.
