NPRC working to shape future insurance experts

ERIE - Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is proud to announce a collaboration with the National Association of Insurance Professionals, Inc. (NAIP) to launch a virtual insurance agent training program. The inaugural session will begin on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Learners will receive a thorough education on the topics necessary for Occupational Licensing and Credentialing exams in Property and Casualty insurance and Life, Accident, and Health insurance. They will also earn a Help Desk Professional designation during the program. Additional skills students will develop during this program include sales and marketing basics to find new customers and provide insurance literacy; preparation and presentation of quotes for auto, home, business, and life insurance; and the claims handling process, which includes how to enter claim information and practical knowledge for walking a customer through the process.

The seven-week program addresses the skills gap affecting employment prospects across Pennsylvania, while this strategic partnership aims to guide participants to gain necessary soft skills, workplace proficiencies, and industry credentials crucial for forging successful careers in the insurance and financial services industries.

The program also offers a unique opportunity for participants to earn a weekly stipend while working to become a capable financial and insurance professional. Program completers will leave being equipped for roles in banks, credit unions, call centers, and insurance agencies. These students will also have the chance to pursue NAIP’s apprenticeship program, additional education at NPRC in business administration, or become an entrepreneur as a licensed insurance professional. The Department of Labor expects an annual need for 1,850 insurance sales agents in Pennsylvania and average entry-level wage for professionals in the field is between $30,700 and $42,600 in the state. The median salary for insurance agents across the United States is $57,860.

Ron Harden, NAIP’s founder and executive director, sees this innovative program as a potential solution to the national shortage of skilled talent in the insurance and financial services sector. With Pennsylvania being home to various Fortune 500 companies such as Lincoln Financial Group, Erie Insurance Group, and PNC Financial Services, program graduates stand poised to seize entrylevel positions within these and many other esteemed organizations throughout the commonwealth.

NPRC’s Director of Workforce Development, Andrea Kessler, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “NPRC is excited to partner for this program in collaboration with The National Association for Insurance Professionals. This is a high demand career that offers students the chance to receive industry-recognized licensure. Graduates have options to continue their career growth between continuing in an insurance-focused apprenticeship or earning an associate degree at NPRC. This makes the insurance agent course valuable to not only the students and our local communities but also the insurance and financial industries.”

To qualify to take part in the program, learners must be at least 17 years of age and fluent in the English language. A high school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required for the program. Classes will meet virtually Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or from 3 to 9 p.m. The cost of the program covers tuition, books, lab fees, state testing fees, licensing application, and fingerprint fees. CareerLink and additional funds are also available to aid those pursuing this program.

If you are interested in participating in the program, visit NPRC’s Insurance Agent Training webpage for more information and to join the waitlist.