Aon sets aside $30m to strengthen workforce resilience in US

Re/insurance broker Aon is expanding its corporate apprenticeship programme with an investment of $30 million over the next five years. The aim is to strengthen workforce resilience with collaboration among a broad network of employers and drive better outcomes for both clients and communities.

The firm will lead the formation of new local apprentice networks in six new cities across the US, building upon the programmes in Chicago and London to help bridge the gap between education and employment.

The move will lead to the creation of 10,000 apprenticeships across the US by 2030.

Aon, together with Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, The Hartford and Zurich Insurance, will spearhead the expansion in the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

The programme was launched in 2012 in the UK and in 2017 in the US. The goal is to help employers build a pipeline of talented, highly skilled and diverse professionals.

"The apprenticeship programme has brought so many talented colleagues to our firm and we know it has tremendous potential to create new opportunities and professional networks for both apprentices and participating employers across the United States," said Greg Case, chief executive officer of Aon.

"This is an innovative way for employers to attract and retain diverse talent, prepare future leaders and contribute to building a more future-focused, resilient workforce."

Kathleen Savio, CEO of Zurich North America, said: "Apprenticeships are a win-win for career seekers and companies that value diverse perspectives. Expanding apprenticeship programs is an investment in a future-ready workforce."