Aon to invest $30M in apprenticeship program

Chicago-based Aon is spending $30 million to expand its corporate apprenticeship program over the next five years.

Launched in 2012 in the UK and in 2017 in the United States, Aon the program trains more than 290 apprentices globally, providing “opportunities for diverse professionals to develop vital skills in the workplace while earning as they learn,” according to a release.

Permanent positions with competitive salaries, benefits and financial educational support are among the perks available to apprentices working in areas such as human resources and information technology.

"The apprenticeship program has brought so many talented colleagues to our firm," 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."

The Chicago Apprentice Network was launched by Aon, Accenture and Zurich Insurance Group in 2017. Since then, it has grown from 25 to more than 40 employers working with 740 apprentices.

Working with Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, The Hartford and Zurich Insurance, Aon will expand the network with more than 100 apprentices in Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The company intends to lead the development of a nationwide network of employers to create 10,000 apprenticeships across the United States by 2030.

"My administration is making apprenticeships accessible to students and transitioning workers statewide to help Illinoisans get training for jobs that offer greater long-term opportunity, all while businesses expand their workforce," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "The Chicago Apprentice Network is providing life-changing opportunities for the city's youth and the Illinois Apprenticeship Program, which my administration recently invested an additional $4.7 million in, is on track to support an additional 17,000 participants by the end of this year."

Educational partners and nonprofits will help expand the network by helping to create the Network's infrastructure, similar to the approach with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), College of Lake County and One Million Degrees for the Chicago Apprentice Network.