New Mexico Association Recognizes the War for Talent

With the help of InVEST and input from other industry professionals, the IIA of New Mexico has developed and launched a nine-week insurance program at Central New Mexico Community College. Jeff Straight, education director of the IIANM, led this project after attending the recent InVEST State Champions Workshop in Westfield Center, Ohio.

"Hearing the statistics related to (the) war for talent was especially eye opening and got me fired up," Straight says. "We need to wake up and look around. The industry will be in tough shape if we don’t bring people in."

Through ongoing collaboration with CNM Community College and the CNM’s Workforce Training Center, the program was designed to offer innovative, customized training and skill development to students who have decided to make career changes. The program, which kicks off Oct. 21, will consist of two modules. The first module is scheduled to run for five weeks and will introduce the basics of insurance, and prepare students for the state insurance licensing exam. Upon completion of the first module, students have the option to go directly to work in the industry or continue on to the second four-week module comprised of computer and insurance management system training.

Additionally, once students have completed the program, they will have the opportunity to be placed with local agents who are in need of new talent.

"What we are trying to accomplish is to have a steady flow of people going through the program and therefore come into our industry," Straight says.

Would your state like to shine in the InVEST spotlight? Share what your state is doing to tackle the war for talent and promote the insurance industry. For more information about this training program, contact Straight at 505-999-5802; jeff@iianm.org.