Associate Degree Apprenticeship Program - Underwriting Services - Chicago, IL (Summer 2026)
Zurich is accepting resumes for our 2026 Apprentice Program. The program launches at the beginning of Summer 2026 as early as June 16th through July 20th. Our innovative General Insurance Apprentice Program allows participants to simultaneously gain their first-time higher education and the experience to launch a rewarding career in commercial insurance. In our Chicago office, Apprentices will support our Large Property Underwriting Account Service Associate Team with:
- Servicing accounts through our end-to-end process
- Accessing and evaluating underwriting processes while implementing best practices
- Following instructions from underwriters in areas of policy rating and pricing
- Reviewing application of mandatory policy forms in relation to accounts
- Resolving inquiries from brokers, underwriters, and internal customers
Earn & Learn: The two-year program offered in Chicago, IL combines targeted coursework at Harper Community College with relevant work rotations at Zurich North America's Downtown Chicago office. The ideal candidate is seeking a first-time associate degree and has minimal college credits completed. Apprentices who successfully complete this two-year program will:
- Work in a paid, benefit-eligible full-time position at Zurich. Work 3 days a week, School 2 days a week, paid for all 40 hours/week
- Earn a tuition-free Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Insurance (Virtually at Harper College) OR Business Marketing with a concentration in Insurance (Hybrid at Harold Washington CC – Chicago, IL)
- Receive a Department of Labor Certificate of Apprenticeship
- Possess credentials and skills for today's ever-changing marketplace
Basic Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Professional work experience not required
- Must be enrolled and validated as college ready by Harper or Harold Washington Community College Admissions. This is a separate application process that can take place concurrently to Zurich's application process.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1 or more years of work experience and/or leadership role in student activities and/or significant voluntary community service
- Interest in pursuing a career in the insurance industry
- Ability to balance multiple priorities between work and school deadlines
- Strong customer service skills
- Collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate with impact
- High degree of self-discipline and focus
- Attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate and work successfully in a team environment
- Intermediate computer skills, specifically Excel
- Ability to navigate learning and interactions in an online environment
At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. The proposed hourly rate for this position is $21.16, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 5%.
Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies.