Zurich Insurance Pathways Program continues in 2023 and beyond

The first of its kind youth insurance employment program continues to grow and expand in Canada.

In 2021, in collaboration with the United Way Greater Toronto and Centre for Young Black Professionals, Zurich Canada, alongside the Z Zurich Foundation, launched the Zurich Insurance Pathways Program (ZIPP). The program aims to provide underrepresented youth with the opportunity to build their insurance knowledge, network, hands-on skills and confidence.

This year ZIPP will begin to transition from a Zurich Canada exclusive program to an industry-led program managed by the United Way Greater Toronto by 2025. Expansion and transition of the program will occur gradually over the next three years, starting with the program’s first funding partner, Marsh Canada.

“Our communities can’t thrive unless we all have opportunities for the future,” said Zurich Canada CEO Saad Mered. “ZIPP has made an incredible impact over the past two years, and we look forward to working alongside industry partners like Marsh Canada to bridge the opportunity gap and support the next generation of insurance talent.”

ZIPP gives youth who identify as Black or underrepresented women the opportunity to learn about the insurance industry. Throughout the program, both companies will collaborate to offer various experiential learning opportunities such as career fairs, job shadow days and executive mentoring opportunities.

“We are excited to partner with Zurich Canada on this important program and provide opportunities for underrepresented or marginalized youths as they launch their careers”, said Sarah Robson, President of Marsh Canada. “ZIPP will play an important role in bringing new voices to our industry and will be a catalyst for positive change.”

The 2023 program is underway and introduces participants to various insurance career paths through a 10-week in-class curriculum and a 12-week paid internship with Zurich Canada and Marsh Canada. The program sets participants up for success through resume building, up-skilling and hands-on experience to help launch their insurance careers and increase their opportunities to secure a fulfilling and sustainable job.

“Creating a more equitable society is not something we can do in silos. Collaborating with like-minded organizations and people is essential to offer underrepresented youths more opportunities,” said Z Zurich Foundation Head, Gregory Renand. “With ZIPP and the support of employee volunteers from Zurich Canada and Marsh Canada, participants will be empowered to unlock their potential.”

Zurich Canada and Marsh Canada employees are crucial to making this program a continued success. The program creates employee volunteer opportunities such as curriculum delivery, mentorship and support.

“Zurich Canada’s partnership with United Way Greater Toronto exemplifies an inclusive vision of how to build community. Scaling up ZIPP and encouraging new partners like Marsh Canada to invest in young people who otherwise may not have had employment opportunities in the insurance industry only strengthens our neighbourhoods,” said CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, Daniele Zanotti. “Zurich Canada understands that for this region to be great, it must be great for all.

Media contact
Kate Moseley-Williams
Zurich Canada
416.892.9537
Kate.moseleywilliams@zurich.com