Harper launches new apprentice programs

Harper College is teaming with Zurich Insurance and the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest to establish apprentice programs in the insurance and manufacturing fields.

In January, the first cohort of insurance apprentices will begin a 2½-year program focusing on claims and underwriting. Apprentices will be paid employees of Zurich and earn academic credit and industry certifications along the way.

Zurich's aim is to create a channel that bolsters the supply of talent entering the insurance field.

The partnership with the German-American chamber will create the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic apprenticeship program. The goal is to address the need for skilled workers in Northern Illinois, as an aging workforce and image problem continue to challenge manufacturers.

About 10 Harper students recently began three years of training toward becoming industrial technicians, who manufacture, maintain and monitor technical systems. The companies will compensate each trainee between $20,000 and $25,000 in tuition and salary over each of the three years, and graduates then will be guaranteed employment for two years.