Tyson Mielke: Imagine an industry where nearly half of all employees are between the ages of 41 and 60. Imagine in that same industry that employees tend to retire two to three years earlier than workers in all other Canadian sectors. Current retirement projections in this industry show that 25 percent of this labour force will retire between 2012 and 2017.

This is happening now in the Canadian insurance industry.

These shocking statistics from Canada’s Insurance Institute underscore the need to get new workers into the insurance industry.

The newly launched Canadian Insurance Scholarship Program, spearheaded by ILScorp, brings the industry together with high school students who are eager for a rewarding career.

Insurance companies, brokerages or even individuals can sponsor a high school student, giving the student a chance to complete their level one licensingwith no cost to them.

Through donations from current insurance professionals, the industry will have an entire new batch of young talent for years to come.

ILScorp founder and long-time insurance educator Steve Hawrishok talks about this unique program.

Steve Hawrishok: ILScorp is really, really pleased to announce the launching of the Canadian Insurance Scholarship Program. The purpose of this program is to provide bright and talented young people for the insurance industry.

Over the years, we have seen a dearth of really, really good people in our industry, particularly, young people not being aware of what it is we do, not being directed towards insurance as a possible career. We’re really, really again excited to be able to change all of that.

The purpose of this program is to provide scholarships for high school students who are looking to enter the insurance business.

ILScorp got involved in this program simply because we are aware and have been aware for a long time about the shortage of qualified insurance people in our business. It’s been very, very difficult to recruit new people and we’re hoping that this program will change all of that.

Students can get information about this program directly from our website (www.theworldofopportunities.com), from insurance brokerages in their community and from their high school guidance counselors.

The Canadian Insurance Scholarship Program is the first program of its kind in Canada. We really wanted to do something about the shortage being experienced by the insurance brokerages across Canada.

Thanks to the sponsors of the Canadian Insurance Scholarship Program who include insurance brokerages, insurance companies, insurance-related organizations and even individuals.

For further information on how to sponsor a scholarship in your own name, please refer to our website: www.theworldofopportunities.com .