AON Apprenticeship Program prepares participants for long term careers

Terionna Wilson is a participant in the AON Apprenticeship Program. Participants receive on the job training and AON pays for the apprentices two-year degree at a community college. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TERIONNA WILSON.
Terionna Wilson is a participant in the AON Apprenticeship Program. Participants receive on the job training and AON pays for the apprentices two-year degree at a community college. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TERIONNA WILSON.

AON Apprenticeship Program prepares participants for long term careers

By Tia Carol Jones

Terionna Wilson went to work right after high school. Although she wanted to go to college after high school, she didn’t have the funds to do so. She knew she had to find a way to afford college. Her older sister was part of the AON Apprenticeship Program and she watched her go through the program. Wilson saw the outcome of her sister going through the program and wanted to participate in it, too.

“She ended up going through the program, going through schooling with it, getting her degree, excelling in her position at AON. It worked out really well for her,” Wilson said.

Being out of school for some time, Wilson was a little apprehensive about going back into the education system. She decided to take the leap, like her sister and when the program opened again, she applied.

She knew going into it, that the program would be two years. Her time was split between more than 20 hours of work and more than 10 hours of school. It meant that she would really have to learn how to find that balance. It was a huge help for her the way program split the time between work and school.

She has embraced the opportunity.  The process has been smooth for her. She thought it would be a struggle, but it wasn’t. She had tried before to work and be a full-time student. This time she had help to find that balance of being a full-time student and working.

“The process has been very great,” Wilson said.

She started in August 2021 and recently received her Associate’s Degree from Harold Washington College in Applied Science, Marketing and Management. Wilson said she has learned so much, especially about herself. There has been a lot of personal growth and educational growth. She described the process as a “huge eye opener.” She has learned how to network, engaging in projects and being part of a team. She also has learned how to speak up and stand out. 

“It’s really been a personal growth journey for me … Being OK to ask questions and more importantly, answer questions,” she said.

With the AON Apprenticeship Program, participants receive on the job training which prepares them for a career in accounting, HR, tech, risk management and others. AON pays for the apprentices two-year degree at a community college. The goal is that at the end of the program the apprentices have an Associate’s Degree and they are on the path to career advancement with AON.

In addition to Chicago, the program is also in Lincolnshire, Ill., San Francisco, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Bloomington, Minn. and Ft. Washington, Penn.

For more information about the AON Apprenticeship Program and its other Early Career Programs, visit www.aon.com/careers/early-careers/us.

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