Nationwide to Invest $160 Million in Training Program

The Columbus, Ohio-based insurer says it will spend about $160 million over five years on training and incentive programs for its 28,000 employees, with some of the money going to schools like Columbus State Community College.

(Related: AALU to Join With GAMA International)

The company is also starting an online training program

Nationwide executives are hoping the training program will help employees improve and maintain their to use computers and other digital systems, and that the program will help prepare workers to move into new positions within the company.

The company says it will also experiment with giving employees more schedule flexibility on Fridays in the summer, and that it's planning to improve other benefits.

The company already offers a $17-per-hour minimum wage and paid family leave benefits.

Nationwide has large offices in Des Moines, Iowa, and in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as in Columbus.

Kirt Walker, the company's chief executive officer, said in a comment that Nationwide must attract, develop and retain the best and brightest talent to deliver on its mission of protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care.

"I'm proud that we are able to make key investments in our associates, try some new things to elevate Nationwide as the desired destination for top talent and prepare our workforce for the future," Walker said. "In so doing we will have talent that will deliver extraordinary care to our members and will innovate for our future."

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