Aon’s corporate office at 200 E. Randolph St. is only three blocks from Harold Washington College in the Loop, but it might as well be in another time zone. The insurance giant never hired from the two-year community college. But after collaborating with the school on curriculum, Aon devised an apprenticeship program that provides paid entry-level jobs to 25 Harold Washington College students while they attend school. “We realized that unless we bring these students in for full-time jobs, we’re never moving the needle on diversity,” says Bridget Gainer, chief commercial officer for Aon’s public-sector partnership who also is a Cook County commissioner. Written by Judith Crown in Crain’s Chicago Business
Photo Credit: Larry Miller
