Partnership with Create Opportunity supports talent in the community


by Anne-Kathryn Flanagan

Unum Group is committed to attracting strong talent, and leaning on our community partnerships has created a diverse pipeline that supports a critical component of the business. 

Create Opportunity provides individuals from underserved, diverse populations with robust training before connecting them with local businesses, like Colonial Life in Columbia, that support their development journeys through a two-year, full-time tech apprenticeship.  

Taking classroom skills and putting those learnings into action at Colonial Life has helped participant Charles Knight face challenges, successfully adapt in real time and learn from current employees to develop and grow. Rannah Derrick has learned flexibility from being exposed to a variety of real-world issues and has learned how to problem solve.  

“Talent pipelines are hard to come by, especially when you need specific skill sets,” said Henry Bryson, Assistant Vice President IT Delivery. “Create Opportunity sends students through a tech crash to prepare them for entry-level placement anywhere in the business.” 

Create Opportunity’s mission of connecting those eager to build a career in tech with businesses that need talent with critical technical skills aligns to Unum Group’s Equitable Pathways focus area, which supports organizations that provide equitable opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged students to thrive.  


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About Unum Group

Unum Group (NYSE: UNM), an international provider of workplace benefits and services, has been helping workers and their families for 175 years. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, vision and stop-loss insurance; leave and absence management support and behavioral health services. In 2022, Unum reported revenues of about $12 billion and paid $8 billion in benefits. The Fortune 500 company is one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies, recognized by Ethisphere®. 

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