Apprenticeship Program (2 Years) - September Start
The Opportunity
Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have a genuine curiosity, interest and ambition to pursue a career in insurance at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.
Zurich Canada is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for our inaugural 2026 Apprenticeship Program. This two-year program is scheduled to start in September 2026, but please apply now for early consideration.
Our innovative General Insurance Apprentice Program allows participants to simultaneously gain the education and the experience to launch a rewarding career in commercial insurance.
The two-year program offered in Toronto, ON combines targeted coursework at Seneca Polytechnic in North York, with relevant work rotations at Zurich Canada’s head office at First Canadian Place, Downtown Toronto.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.
Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in-person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.
Apprentices who successfully complete this two-year program will:
• Work in a paid, benefit-eligible full-time position at Zurich
• Gain significant experience in the Property and Casualty Commercial Insurance industry
• Earn a tuition-free education at Seneca Polytechnic in the Business Insurance Diploma Program with flexible course delivery options
• Possess credentials and skills for today’s ever-changing marketplace
We are hiring Apprentices in two areas of Zurich Canada:
As a Claims Apprentice, you will:
• Assist in processing client claims
• Working within multiple proprietary systems
• Utilize resources and methods of best practices to set up claims accurately
• Possible rotation within various lines of claims, i.e. auto, property, general liability, marine
As an Underwriting Apprentice, you will:
• Service accounts through our end-to-end process
• Access and evaluate underwriting processes implementing best practices
• Follow instructions from underwriters in areas of policy rating and pricing
• Review and application of mandatory policy forms in relation to accounts
• Resolve inquiries from brokers, underwriters, and internal customers
What you bring to the table
Basic Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Professional work experience is not required
• The desire to participate in academic courses and work at Zurich Canada, involving approximately 22.5 hours of office time and 15 hours dedicated to coursework
Once you successfully complete the recruitment process through Zurich Canada, your next step will be completion of the admissions process at Seneca Polytechnic to be eligible to qualify for the Apprenticeship program. (By submitting your application to Zurich Canada for this position, you agree to have your personal information shared with Seneca Polytechnic College to commence the admissions process)
Preferred Qualifications:
• 1 or more years of work experience and/or leadership role in student activities and/or significant voluntary community service
• Interest in pursuing a career in insurance
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and work deadlines
• Strong customer service skills
• Collaboration and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate with impact
• High degree of self-discipline and focus
• Attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate and work successfully in a team environment
• Intermediate computer skills, especially Excel
• Ability to navigate learning and interactions in an online environment
At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is 40,000 - 45,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.
As part of the application process, we kindly request that you submit a Motivation Statement along with your resume. Please attach this document in the "Cover Letter" field of the application.
In a separate Microsoft Word document, we require a brief statement that highlights your motivation for applying to the Zurich Apprenticeship Program. This document should also explain why you believe you are the best candidate for this opportunity. Please pay careful attention to the following guidelines while preparing your motivation statement:
a. Content: Clearly articulate your motivation for pursuing an apprenticeship with Zurich Canada. Explain what interests you about the program and how it aligns with your career goals. Additionally, highlight any relevant skills, experiences, or achievements that make you stand out as a candidate.
b. Format: Your motivation statement should be well-structured, concise, and written in a professional manner. Ensure that it is error-free, easily readable, and follows a logical flow.
c. Length: The motivation statement should be between 150-300 words. Please adhere to this word limit as it allows us to efficiently evaluate all applications.
Our Culture
At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DEIB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.
We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.
We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.
About Us
Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.