As a leader at a technology-driven enterprise, I spend a lot of time thinking about cultivating talent. When I think about what truly drives success in the tech world, it isn’t prestigious credentials or degrees from a big-name university — it’s curiosity, resilience and a willingness to learn. When you combine these traits with real-world training and mentorship, you can be just as successful as someone who comes from a more traditional educational background. That’s why I believe so strongly in apprenticeships.
While apprenticeships have traditionally been the backbone of trades (like welding and plumbing), they’re also proving to be exceptionally effective for modern careers like software development, data analysis and even artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, studies show that apprenticeship programs have a 95% retention rate, dramatically outperforming conventional training and hiring approaches. This statistic isn’t merely a data point, it’s a wake-up call. If we want to build a more robust, inclusive and future-ready workforce, we must embrace apprenticeships in technology. At Unum, we committed to this path and haven’t once questioned that decision.
Today’s education-to-career pipeline isn’t working for everyone. It often requires a four-year degree, a network and a financial safety net. That path excludes people with real potential, especially those from underrepresented communities. At the same time, many college graduates leave school academically prepared but without the hands-on experience or real-world exposure that companies need. Apprenticeships offer a powerful, complementary pathway: an on-ramp that combines real work experience with structured learning. They help close opportunity gaps, connect untapped talent to meaningful careers, and provide employers with skilled, work-ready team members. Apprentices earn while they learn, and businesses gain motivated, capable team members who grow with the organization.
Recognizing these challenges in the traditional talent pipeline, Unum took action. In 2022, Chattanooga was named one of five “Apprenticeship Innovation Hubs” in the country, and Unum proudly hosted the event to launch the Hub initiative and celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Our Talent Acquisition team quickly saw the value, and we partnered with BuildWithin, an organization dedicated to modernizing and expanding apprenticeship programs, to launch a pilot program. This effort aligns with our vision of finding and growing talent from within the community.
As we started the process of setting up our new program, I had the opportunity to hire Emily, our first apprentice. She came from a non-traditional (non-technology) background, but she brought curiosity, determination and a hunger to grow. She completed her apprenticeship program and is now thriving in a full-time role. When we invest in people’s potential, not just their resumes, we unlock incredible outcomes for individuals, teams and the business.