Colonial Claims and Teleworks USA Bringing Training Opportunity Back to the Mountains with Employment Opportunities for Graduating Participants

Colonial Claims and Teleworks USA are teaming up to offer a new round of innovative training that has already assisted nearly 30 Eastern Kentuckians begin careers in the insurance industry over the past two years.

A nationwide insurance claims adjusting company, Colonial Claims first offered its remote-training program in 2021 in partnership with Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Teleworks USA’s parent organization. Since then, the partnership has led to two additional trainings, with a fourth now set to begin in fall 2023.

“Colonial provides an opportunity for our mountain people to make a career of helping others,” said Colonial Claims Founder and Board Chairman Doug Branham, a native of Pike County, Ky. 

With its latest partnership with Teleworks USA—Eastern Kentucky’s premier work-from-home employment service—Colonial Claims is offering a new training opportunity for an additional 15 Eastern Kentuckians. As part of the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network, Teleworks USA will assist with recruitment and screening of new applicants and provide a monthly stipend to assist with living costs for eligible participants as they work toward completing the four-month program.  

For those who successfully complete the training and meet all benchmarks, including any required certification exams, Branham will offer employment with an anticipated starting salary of $35,000 per year. Participants will also graduate the program with skills immediately applicable to a multi-billion dollar industry.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Colonial Claims again, now for the fourth time,” said EKCEP Business Services Director Melissa Williams. “This is a good example of how workforce development can leverage available resources and work directly with private industry to help meet a company’s staffing needs. Add the fact that Colonial Claims is simply a great business to work for, and this is a win for everyone involved, especially the trainees who will have an opportunity to step onto a new career path.”

The full employer-led training program carries a value of more than $350,000, according to Colonial Claims leadership, but participants who qualify and are selected will have an opportunity to participate at no cost thanks to the partnership between Colonial Claims and Teleworks USA. And the regular stipend not only means trainees will be paid to train from home, but it provides a positive incentive to progress in the training and gain an opportunity for a full-time position, said Renee Coleman, a Pike County native who completed the spring 2023 cohort and is currently working as a Colonial Claims adjuster from home.

“If given the opportunity to refer someone for Colonial Claims, I would,” Coleman said. “Colonial is a great family, and they’re growing as a company. It’s a great opportunity to help people.”

Up to 15 trainees will be provided the necessities to participate in the remote-training program with required materials and software. Participants will receive specialized training and certification opportunities during the course of the program on through employment, including:

• A NFIP/Flood Certification;

• Adjusting skills in flood, hail and wind;

• Xactimate Certification;

• Insurance licenses for multiple states.

To apply for the program today, visit ekcep.org/colonial and fill out the application there. Space is limited to 15 seats, and all applications must be received before September 8, 2023. Individuals fluent in both English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Colonial Claims is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. Find out more online at colonialclaims.com.

EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at  http://www.ekcep.org, http://www.jobsight.org and http://www.facebook.com/ekcep.