HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Hartford has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Labor, Arizona Department of Economic Security and local community colleges to launch an insurance apprenticeship program. The Hartford’s apprenticeship program will offer an insurance-specific curriculum, paid on-the-job training and mentoring to equip students for key customer-facing roles in The Hartford’s claims operation. The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides tuition assistance for participating students through its American Apprenticeship Grant Initiative.

“Attracting and developing talent to best serve our customers is a top priority for The Hartford,” said John Kinney, The Hartford’s chief claims officer. “This apprenticeship program will help us recruit and retain skilled claims professionals outside of the traditional college track, and students will gain education, training and a full-time position at a company where they can grow their career. It’s a win-win all around.”

The Hartford is launching the program in partnership with Capital Community College in Hartford and Rio Salado College in metro Phoenix, with classes beginning in June. Students completing the two-year program will be eligible for full-time employment with The Hartford, in addition to earning their associate’s degree from their respective college. Through these partnerships and others in development, The Hartford plans to onboard 200 apprentices by 2020.

“This new program is an innovative way to develop Connecticut’s insurance talent and provide promising careers for our residents,” said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “It supports our communities and helps the state expand into non-traditional apprenticeships to help grow our major industry sectors. This unique partnership promises to build a stronger economy by promoting post-secondary education and creating pathways to good paying jobs.”

Students will complete 61 credit hours of college coursework and 2,400 hours of paid on-the-job-training at The Hartford claims center in Windsor, Conn. or Phoenix. The curriculum includes courses in insurance-specific topics as well as critical thinking, business analytics and communications to help prepare students for future leadership roles. Graduates will earn registered apprenticeship credentials certifying their occupational proficiency, and when they become full-time employees of The Hartford, they will be eligible for additional tuition reimbursement to complete their bachelor’s degree.

More information about The Hartford’s insurance apprenticeship program is available at https://www.thehartford.com/apprentice.

About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheHartford_PR.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Conn. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.

HIG-C

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

From time to time, The Hartford may use its website to disseminate material company information. Financial and other important information regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at https://ir.thehartford.com. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Email Alerts” section at https://ir.thehartford.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170404005877/en/