State Farm and Travelers Insurance announced a joint $2.4 million investment in a paid apprenticeship program designed to increase the number of women in IICRC-certified restoration roles across five states: Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and California.
The program, administered through the Restoration Industry Association Foundation, will place 120 women in 12-month paid apprenticeships with participating restoration contractors, covering wages, IICRC certification fees, and equipment training.
Insurers have a direct financial interest in expanding the certified restoration workforce. A shortage of qualified technicians in high-demand markets has contributed to extended claim cycle times and increased litigation, according to a 2024 Insurance Information Institute report.
"We need more qualified restoration professionals, full stop," said State Farm Property Claims Director Mark Alvarez. "This program addresses the workforce gap while creating economic opportunity for women in communities where restoration jobs are plentiful but credentialed workers are scarce."
Applications for the first cohort, which begins in July, are being accepted through May 31.
