Madison College starts accelerated insurance program for vets

From oci.wi.gov: “Accelerated Certificate Program Now Available for Veterans at Madison College” — In honor of the Year of the Veteran, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced that Madison College has designed a pilot project that would create an accelerated insurance certificate program for veterans. This accelerated certificate program will lead to jobs for veterans in the Wisconsin insurance community.

The project was created through the efforts of Madison College, the Wounded Warriors Regiment, the Dane County Veterans Office, and insurance industry partners with assistance from the Office of Commissioner of Insurance, the Department of Financial Institutions, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“This pilot program highlights what we can do when we all work together,” said Governor Walker. “Wisconsin based insurance companies are looking for good employees and our returning veterans are looking for good jobs. By partnering with Madison College and veterans groups, this program can help grow our insurance industry and provide great opportunities for our returning heroes.”

The pilot program focuses on insurance industry jobs. Wisconsin has the 5th largest domestic insurance industry in the country with over 300 companies residing in the state. However, many of these companies have noticed a shortage in qualified employees while at the same time experiencing employment growth and coping with an aging workforce.

The accelerated certificate program will allow veterans to obtain an insurance certificate from Madison College after a single semester of intensive instruction and study. Classes are tentatively scheduled to allow interested veterans to focus their class time to a single day per week, with some classes possibly held on Saturday. The program is also working with employers to help veterans find work in the insurance industry even before classes begin in September.

“As the Wisconsin economy continues to grow, our workforce needs to be ready,” said Governor Walker. “Our state agencies will continue to partner with leaders like U. S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Michael Gillitzer from the Wounded Warriors Regiment, Martha Lester-Mittenzwei of Madison College, BJ. Ganem from Dane County Veterans Office and others to ensure our veterans are prepared for the opportunities to come.”