Aon co-founded the Chicago Apprentice Network in 2017, alongside Accenture and Zurich North America. Since then, the community has grown to incorporate greater than 80 employers which have introduced on practically 1,500 apprentices in industries together with insurance coverage, finance, know-how, consulting, retail, and manufacturing. In 2022, Accenture, Aon, and Zurich North America had been named Apprenticeship Ambassadors by the Biden Administration’s Department of Labor.
“Five years ago, Aon looked across our talent pool, and we realized that we could expand opportunities and create a more diverse talent pipeline. Talent [is] our most valuable asset,” mentioned Case. “We realized that firms benefit when they expand their candidate pools and open the doors to a broader, more diverse group of candidates. Apprenticeships allow talented individuals to earn as they learn and build a foundation of future success.”
Read subsequent: Zurich unlocking expertise pool with expanded apprenticeship program
Aon’s two-year apprenticeship program pays for wage, advantages, tuition, charges, and books whereas apprentices pursue their affiliate levels. Those who efficiently full this system are supplied full-time positions inside the agency. In November 2020, Aon introduced the enlargement of its apprenticeship program with an funding of $30 million, and the formation of Apprentice Networks in six new cities throughout the nation.
Case mentioned: “I get requested loads: ‘What does this really look like in practice? What does it mean?’ And my colleagues right here would say: ‘Picture three outcomes: a great job with a future career path, excellent education at a community college, and a network of companies that are changing the outdated idea that the only way into a career in corporate America is by attaining a four-year degree.’
“At Aon, we’re in the business of better decisions, and I will tell you, we have made no better decision than our commitment to this network and this program. We’re constantly inspired by the apprentices, by our colleagues who manage and mentor them, and by our partners in the business and civic community, who are together building an ecosystem for all of us to thrive.”
Case launched Terionna Wilson, a reinsurance apprentice at Aon, based mostly in Chicago, who mentioned this system has modified her life. One of six youngsters, Wilson grew up in West Pullman, a neighborhood on the far south facet of Chicago. She was accepted onto this system in August 2021, and is now in her second yr of this system, incomes an affiliate’s diploma in enterprise at Harold Washington College in Chicago, whereas working at Aon.
“Just two years ago, I was working as a warehouse associate just trying to stay afloat,” she mirrored. “The job wasn’t for me, but with bills to pay, I couldn’t find a way to balance both school and work. Honestly, I always knew that there was something out there much better for me.”
Wilson, who adopted within the footsteps of her older sister by making use of for the apprenticeship program, claims to have discovered “the perfect balance” for her life, juggling faculty and work, whereas additionally incomes an revenue, receiving worker advantages, and increasing her skilled community at Aon. She mentioned: “I truly couldn’t feel more stable and blessed. The apprenticeship program not only changed my life, but my family’s as well.”
Read extra: Pioneering an company apprenticeship program
Next got here Dr Biden, an educator and vocal champion for group schools within the US, inspired employers to push politics apart and take into account training as a bipartisan challenge.
“Education has always been about jobs, and it isn’t a red issue or a blue issue; it’s an American issue,” she mentioned. “I’ve had the possibility to work with Republican leaders on this, and we have now a chance to make some actual bipartisan progress, constructing pathways that work for all college students, and everybody has a job to play.
“Get involved … create apprenticeships, work with the high schools and community colleges in your areas, mentor students, not because it will change lives (though it can), not because it will help your communities (though it will), but because when students here have the training that they need to succeed, your businesses will benefit.”
The First Lady concluded with a name to motion: “We can only realize the full power of our workforce when we tap into its full potential, and that means all students, all Americans. With your help, we can build a stronger, more powerful economy for everyone from the bottom up and the middle out.”