Apprenticeship

General questions

Tell me more about Pinnacol’s apprentice partnership with CareerWise Colorado

In 2016, Pinnacol became one of the first companies to join CareerWise Colorado.

The statewide modern apprenticeship program is modeled after a similar system in Switzerland.

Our reputable apprenticeship program helps students navigate their future by revealing how their education and apprenticeship-acquired skills can advance them toward postsecondary success.

CareerWise serves as the primary intermediary between businesses and students, ensuring that opportunities like those offered at Pinnacol are accessible to stakeholders around the state.

Learn more about CareerWise Colorado’s work.

What is the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?

Internships are work-based learning opportunities that give students a sample of work done in an industry. They last anywhere from four weeks to a year, and they may be paid or unpaid.

Apprenticeship programs provide longer-term opportunities to intentionally prepare participants with the training, skills and experience needed to immediately pursue an entry-level career in their chosen field. Apprentices are paid and typically receive supplementary credentials and certifications that reinforce their preparedness for an industry.

What does Pinnacol Assurance do?

Pinnacol Assurance provides workers’ compensation protection for employers and employees in Colorado.

Through our culture of caring and commitment to safety, we proudly cover 60% of the state’s workforce — including over 56,000 businesses and one million workers in the state.

More information about our organization can be found here.

What sets Pinnacol apart?

Our culture of caring encourages employees to learn, contribute and grow. Whether we’re assisting injured workers or coaching students in the apprenticeship program, we help you find your way.

Our apprenticeship program is one of the most robust and successful work-based apprenticeships in the state of Colorado, with a dedicated team of staff to provide group and one-on-one counseling and education.

Why did Pinnacol start the apprenticeship program?

Forming connections with younger people interested in the insurance industry is critical as our employees age toward retirement. Pinnacol wants to develop a skilled workforce committed to our company for the long term. An apprenticeship program provides relevant instruction to the talented students who will keep our business thriving.

How long has Pinnacol had an apprenticeship program?

We launched our program in 2017 and have hired a new cohort of apprentices each of the following years. We are currently hosting our seventh cohort of apprentices.

What types of positions does the apprenticeship prepare students for?

The program focuses on preparing apprentices for in-demand jobs in information technology and business operations, such as:

Claims representatives.*
Cybersecurity (TBD).
Customer Service Representative.*
General Insurance Associate.*
Project Manager.
Data Scientist.
Underwriter.*
Audit analysts.*
Software developers.
IT help desk support staff.

*US Department of Labor registered apprenticeship

Apprentices also get opportunities to support operations across 30-plus teams, including:

Events coordinator.
Paralegal.
Medical case manager.
Project manager.
Network engineer.
Underwriter.
Accountant.
Business intelligence analyst.
Medical claims associate.
Brand and marketing director.
Communications associate.
Business analyst.
Complex claims representative.
Software developer.
Spanish interpreter.

Find your path with a Pinnacol Apprenticeship

Find your path with a Pinnacol Apprenticeship

General questions

Future apprentices

Questions from businesses

General questions