Zurich Apprenticeship Program
Earn a debt-free college degree and full-time income while you launch a great career.
Business apprenticeship: A fast track to a great career
The Zurich Apprenticeship Program is a two-year journey that lets you earn a degree and launch a career with one of the largest global providers of insurance solutions to businesses and individuals. The program blends paid, on-the-job learning at Zurich with college coursework through one of our higher-education providers. Zurich covers tuition for apprentices to complete either an associate degree (for those with few or no college credits) or a bachelor’s degree (for those who already have completed two years of college).
Zurich apprenticeships are two-year journeys.
Apprentices earn a full-time salary and benefits.
Zurich covers tuition and fees toward completion of either an associate or bachelor's degree.
Completion brings guaranteed job placement at Zurich.
Pivoting to apprenticeship
Have you ever wished there was another way to set yourself up for success? There is! Learn more from Zurich apprentices, alumni and leaders.
2 great options: Associate and Bachelor's Degree Apprenticeships
Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeships are offered in a variety of focus areas based on business needs. Some are in insurance specialties such as underwriting, claims and crop insurance. Some are in corporate functions such as human resources, information technology and communications. Learning and development is supported by on-the-job coaches, apprentice alumni advisors, academic coaches and study time.
A national leader in apprenticeship
The Zurich Apprenticeship Program became the first of its kind to be certified by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2016. Many honors and milestones have come since. The Department of Labor named a Zurich apprentice alumna to its Apprentice Trailblazer program in 2023. It named Zurich an Apprenticeship Ambassador company in 2022. Zurich’s program received the Pledge to America’s Workers Presidential Award in 2020.
Zurich, Aon and Accenture co-founded the Chicago Apprentice Network in 2017 and were honored with the 2022 Trailblazer Award by The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation. The network regularly hosts events and has taken the network model to other cities where the companies have apprentices.
In Zurich North America’s home state, Zurich is a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board’s Apprenticeship Illinois Committee. A Zurich apprentice was selected in 2023 to serve as an Illinois Apprentice Ambassador, helping to expand apprenticeships geographically and to new industries.
Inclusion & Belonging
We welcome applicants representing diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Many apprentices are involved with Zurich's employee resource groups:
- AbilitieZ (individuals with disabilities)
- Emerging LeaderZ (focused on career advancement)
- Good NewZ (multi-denominational Christian community)
- Latinos Unidos at Zurich (LUZ)
- PrideZ (LGBTQ+ community)
- The Veterans Engagement Team at Zurich (VETZ)
- Women's Innovation Network (WIN)
- Zurich African Ancestry Alliance (ZAAA)
- Zurich Asian American Pacific Islanders (ZAAPI)
Zurich Indigenous Peoples of the Americas (ZIPA)
See what others are saying about the Zurich Apprenticeship Program
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Jill Biden touts ‘career-connected learning’ in Chicago
Zurich, Aon, Accenture honored with IICF Trailblazer Award
Zurich North America Doubles Down on Apprenticeship Program
The new-collar workforce
Zurich North America named DOL Apprenticeship Ambassador
Zurich unlocking talent pool with expanded apprenticeship program
Apprenticeships are another way to ‘hire’ education
Frequently asked questions
How long are apprenticeships and when do they start?
All Zurich apprenticeships are two-year programs, with a promotion into a post-apprenticeship role upon successful completion of the program. Associate Degree Apprentices and Bachelor's Degree Apprentices are hired year-round. New apprentices typically start in August or February.
Are apprentices full time employees, and what are the benefits?
From the start, apprentices are paid as full-time employees with benefits including paid time off, health insurance options and more. Zurich pays their tuition and fees in the two-year program. At the finish line, graduates earn a college degree, a promotion into their next role at Zurich and a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprentice certificate.
Who should apply for an apprenticeship?
Successful apprentices have included veterans of the armed forces, people who want to pivot from a job to a career, parents returning to the workforce after a hiatus and high school graduates. Dependability, time management, initiative and interpersonal skills are essential.
What are the minimum requirements?
Associate Degree Apprentices must have a high school diploma or an equivalent and must be verified as college ready by one of our education providers. Bachelor’s Degree Apprentices must have completed two or more years of college (the equivalent of 55-60 college credits, an associate degree or a rising college junior).
In what locations does Zurich provide apprenticeships?
Zurich offers apprenticeships coast to coast, in cities as well as select agricultural areas based on demand in our crop insurance business, RCIS.
What is a typical week like for apprentices?
Associate Degree Apprentices typically have three days a week of on-the-job training, with two days a week reserved for college coursework. Bachelor’s Degree Apprentices typically work 32 hours a week at Zurich with eight hours a week reserved for college coursework.
Where do apprentices attend college and are classes virtual or in person?
The education providers for Associate Degree Apprentices include the following, and the coursework is typically hybrid or fully virtual depending on where the apprentice is based (business area and geographic location):
- Harper College in Palatine, Illinois
- Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City and online
- Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa
- Harold Washington College in Chicago
The education provider for Bachelor’s Degree Apprentices is University of Arizona Global Campus (fully online).
What degree does an apprentice earn in the two-year program?
The degree depends in part on the apprentice’s area of focus and where they are based. Associate Degree Apprentices earn one of the following:
- Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in General Insurance
- Associate in Applied Science in Business Management with a specialization in Risk Management and Insurance
- Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture Business
- Associate in Applied Science in Marketing and Management
Bachelor’s Degree Apprentices earn one of the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Data Security Technology