Neenah, Wis. (Feb. 5, 2020) – SECURA Insurance launched a new information technology apprenticeship program today in partnership with Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program, CESA6, and Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program.
The apprenticeship program introduces technology concepts earlier in a student’s career through work-based learning. Local high school students learn by working on real world projects and interacting with technology professionals in computer science jobs. The program provides the ability for students to grow their skills in the field and get introduced to the insurance industry prior to college. Each student has a mentor that provides training and coaching throughout the apprenticeship.
“Programs like these are popular in the trades, but are lacking in Information Technology, especially in the Fox Valley,” said Todd Thiel, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SECURA Insurance. “We’ve discovered that many students who ultimately choose IT as a career path end up moving away from the Fox Valley and greater Wisconsin because they don’t believe the area has viable IT jobs. However, Wisconsin currently has over 2,000 unfilled IT jobs. With this program we’re hoping to help educate students about local IT job opportunities and keep talent in the Fox Valley.”
SECURA has two high school Youth Apprentices starting this year. These students will have the opportunity to work side-by-side IT professionals at SECURA’s new corporate headquarters in the Village of Fox Crossing in Neenah.
In addition to the apprenticeship program at SECURA, Information Technology professionals from the company will be collaborating with local high schools to provide input on the programming curriculum.
ABOUT SECURA INSURANCE
SECURA Insurance is headquartered in Neenah, Wis. Approximately 550 independent insurance agencies in 12 states represent the company, which provides a broad range of competitive commercial, personal, farm, nonprofit, and special events products. It is known for providing exceptional service to its agents and policyholders since 1900, and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best for its excellent ability to meet policyholder obligations. The carrier is a Ward’s Top 50 company for outstanding results in financial performance and consistency over a five-year period, and it is a certified Great Place to Work. Visit www.secura.net to learn more.