Zurich, CAN partners gather to celebrate National Apprenticeship Day

On Wednesday, April 30, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) — a key partner, along with Zurich North America, to the Chicago Apprenticeship Network (CAN) — hosted the Business and Tech Apprenticeship Summit at Malcolm X College. Chicago area employers were invited to learn about the apprenticeship program and its benefits in developing their talent pipeline by supporting growth and development.

Among the speakers at the event were CCC Chancellor Juan Salgado, along with Zurich North America VP and Director of Early Careers Susan Meehan, who spoke with attendees on the value of the apprentice program to Zurich. Illinois Apprentice Ambassador and Zurich IT and Ops Apprentice Brendan Thompson also attended and shared his experiences and touted the benefits of the program.

Since its inception in 2017 by Zurich, Accenture and AON, the Chicago Apprenticeship Network has experienced substantial growth. With the participation of more than 110 companies from diverse industries, this initiative aims to close the gap between talent and opportunity. The collaborative effort seeks to enhance individuals' futures by providing access to career opportunities and skill development programs.

North America's Apprenticeship Program: A Pathway to Success

Zurich North America’s apprenticeship associates and bachelor’s programs are two-year journeys that allow participants to complete a degree with college coursework from partnered higher-education providers, while starting a corporate career with on-the-job learning at Zurich. Participants receive full-time pay, benefits and tuition coverage with guaranteed job placement and promotion upon completion.

Apprentices work in various functions such as underwriting, claims, IT, and more, with positions typically being in office and remote. Zurich’s commitment to its apprentices is evident through the comprehensive support and opportunities provided. The program emphasizes holistic support through tight-knit cohorts, job coaches, and academic advisors. It attracts a broad range of backgrounds, including military veterans, career changers, and high school graduates.

Meet Zurich’s 2025 Illinois Apprentice Ambassador

Brendan Thompson began his role as an Information Technology Service Delivery Bachelor Apprentice at Zurich in January 2024. He is expected to finish his apprenticeship by February 2026, simultaneously obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business information systems. Since joining Zurich, Brendan feels that the program has allowed him to gain valuable IT sector experience and mentorship that he wouldn’t have found in other career paths.

As an Illinois Apprentice Ambassador, Thompson will promote the apprenticeship program to career seekers, employers and educational institutions through community outreach. He encourages individuals to pursue this “untraditional career path,” that opens doors to "developing a broader range of skills, making you more versatile in the workplace."

Thompson said, “The Zurich Apprenticeship Program offered me an opportunity to get the best of all three worlds; continued education, on-the-job learning, and professional development, while learning about the company culture.”

Zurich apprenticeship opportunities

We encourage you or anyone you think would be an excellent fit for this opportunity to visit Zurich’s Apprenticeship Program page to view open positions and to learn more about the program.