July 5, 2024
How our work-based learning programs are supporting future talent
As part of our corporate citizenship strategy (PDF 4,354KB), Texas Mutual is committed to supporting our industry and the state’s economy by growing the insurance talent of the future. We recognize the need to recruit, retain and inspire the next generation of compassionate and dedicated employees as an entire generation of insurance professionals prepares for retirement. Our new TXM Ignite initiative combines several work-based learning programs, which give individuals the opportunity to earn income while learning new skills.
TXM Ignite is led by a collaborative roundtable of employee representatives who discuss the cohesion of these programs, potential opportunities to collaborate and future vision. Over the last three decades, we’ve expanded our work-based learning programs to further extend our reach and offer several types of opportunities to those looking to start, grow or change their career.
Trainee programs
Our longest standing work-based learning option is our trainee programs. Each year, we welcome several individuals to our claims and underwriting training programs and occasionally have additional earn-and-learn opportunities for individuals interested in developing skills in IT, premium audit and safety services.
The claims training program is a dynamic 13-week curriculum where claims trainees learn insurance principles, become familiar with workers’ compensation regulations, complete the Texas Workers’ Compensation licensing class and embrace our compassionate approach to claims management. With support from Texas Mutual’s claims training team every step of the way, the program culminates in the trainees gaining real-world experiences managing claims.
The underwriting training program also contains a 13-week curriculum where trainees learn insurance principles, workers’ compensation regulations and Texas Mutual’s underwriting principles. Throughout the program, experienced underwriters share their knowledge and perspectives to support the trainees in their career journey. The program also culminates in the trainees doing real-world work in a supervised environment.
After graduating from their program, trainees move on to work at their assigned regional offices and continue their Texas Mutual journey.
Apprenticeship program
In 2022, we launched a first-of-its-kind claims apprenticeship program that provides students with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn at Houston Community College (HCC) while also earning a full-time salary as a Texas Mutual employee. Adjuster apprentices receive on-the-job training while taking classes toward an AAS Business Management degree with tuition paid for by Texas Mutual. Over the course of two years, apprentices learn the basics of workers’ compensation insurance, support our claims team, complete the Texas Workers’ Compensation licensing class and more.
Since launching the program, we’ve welcomed four adjuster apprentices to Texas Mutual. In recognition of our growing claim’s apprenticeship program, we received the 2023 Gulf Coast Region Business Apprenticeship Provider of the Year award from HCC.
Internship program
Our internship program gives students the opportunity to explore a career in insurance by learning about our business operations and getting an inside look into what makes Texas Mutual one of the best places to work. We currently offer paid summer internships in our risk office, financial services, IT, internal audit and special investigations department.
This summer we welcomed four operations and risk management interns and four high school interns who will be working with our IT department.
Discovery Days at Texas Mutual
Throughout the year, our human resources team hosts Discovery Days at our offices for high school and college students to go on a tour and learn about the different career paths at Texas Mutual. This helps us spread awareness of the possibilities within an insurance career and share future opportunities with students.
Creating meaningful change
Through our TXM Ignite initiative, we’re able to contribute to growing our industry and are committed to doing our part to provide education and valuable experience to hard-working students and employees. We know programs like these can offer a strong and stable career for professionals, support working families and help build a diverse talent pipeline for the future of insurance.