Partnership with Ohio Dominican University provides entry-level employees with 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 Ohio Dominican University (ODU), 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 Ohio Dominican University’s certification program
- Enrolling in ODU’s Insurance and Risk Management Certificate online program 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. Graduates earn an insurance certificate, enabling them to progress in their insurance careers beyond entry-level positions.
Karen Gray, executive director of Ohio Dominican University’s Adult & Continuing Education program says ODU is a perfect partner for this innovative workforce development initiative.
“Our Insurance & Risk Management Certificate program is perfect for adults who don’t have easy access to professional development opportunities, but still want to prepare for a career in the rapidly expanding insurance field,” Gray said. “In addition, our partnership with Pearl Interactive Network will help provide local, regional, and national insurance companies uniquely qualified and enthusiastic employees.”
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.
About Pearl Interactive Network, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Pearl Interactive Network, Inc. Is a social enterprise that delivers virtual and client-site contact center and sourcing services, tapping a workforce of skilled and talented disabled veterans, veterans, people with disabilities, and people living in geographically-challenged areas. Pearl’s markets include government and insurance.
About Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican University is a comprehensive, four-year, private, liberal arts and master’s institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican tradition by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. The University has approximately 2,600 students and offers undergraduate degrees in 45 majors and nine graduate degree programs. At ODU, students connect their passion with a purpose.