Program offers entry-level employees opportunity to pursue career path in insurance industry
Pearl Interactive Network (Pearl) has launched the Insurance Apprenticeship Program. The program offers a way for entry-level employees to progress through a career path in the insurance industry through a combination of on-the-job training and an online insurance certification course with one of Pearl’s educational partners.
“We created the apprenticeship model to help fill the upcoming workforce gap in the insurance industry,” explained Merry Korn, president/CEO of Pearl Interactive Network. “In addition, the Apprenticeship Program will help people with employment challenges carve out a career for themselves in the insurance industry.”
The Insurance Apprenticeship Program is open to all job-seekers, especially disabled veterans, veterans, military spouses, people with disabilities, dislocated workers, and people who live in geographically-challenged areas. The program provides an opportunity for employees to learn new skills, increase their education, and become more marketable through a two-step process:
- Applying for, and working in an entry-level position with Pearl Interactive Network at an insurance company, with the requirement of participating in an educational partner’s insurance certification program
- Enrolling in one of Pearl’s educational partners’ Insurance Certification Programs while employed at Pearl; and taking and passing the exams to earn an insurance certificate
Pearl provides each apprentice with a mentor, who helps guide them through the course to ensure success.
The certification curriculum includes courses in related subjects such as insurance and risk management, and personal and commercial property and casualty lines. Once enrolled, apprentices can choose to pursue one of several certification tracks. Graduates earn certification and/or licensure in commercial property and casualty lines, enabling them to progress in their insurance careers beyond entry-level positions.
According to a workforce study conducted in 2013 by Insuring Ohio Futures, Ohio’s insurance industry will need to fill 26,000 positions coming open through 2020.