Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Insurance Apprenticeship Programme 2027

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one apprenticeship programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in them not being considered.

Location: Croydon

Start date: September 2027

Salary: £23,000

Duration: You'll join us in a permanent role from day one while completing an 18-month development programme.

Structure: You’re expected to work in the office at least 4 days per week and must live within a commutable distance

Qualification: Level 3 Insurance apprenticeship

Commercial Insurance Apprenticeship Programme

Build Relationships, Solve Problems and Help People Protect What Matters Most 

Ready to earn, learn and launch your career? This is more than your first job. You’ll gain real experience, work towards a recognised qualification and build skills that will shape your future.

Our Commercial & Schemes division helps organisations of different sizes, from small local tradespeople to established businesses, find the right insurance to protect themselves from a wide range of risks. We work with clients across sectors including construction, hospitality and leisure, manufacturing, real estate, motor, education and professional services.

You’ll step into the shoes of an Insurance Account Handler, helping to look after existing clients and support them with their insurance policies.

You’ll join Howden on a permanent role and complete an 18-month development programme designed to develop your technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence to kick start your career.

What you’ll be doing?

You will begin with a structured induction before joining our Commercial & Schemes team, where you will work alongside experienced colleagues and gradually take on more responsibility.

During the programme, you'll:

• Learn the foundations of commercial insurance and how an Account Handler supports clients. 

• Draft clear and professional email correspondence for clients and insurers. 
• Build confidence speaking with clients and insurers, helping to answer queries and gather information, both via email and during phone calls.   

• Help gather and share the information needed to manage policies and support client requests. 

• Support with maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records.  
• Build long-term relationships and provide excellent customer service.   
• Learn how amendments to insurance policies are managed as well as the policy renewals process.  

Who are we looking for?

No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

You'll be:

• Curious and motivated to learn about insurance and develop your career. 
• A confident communicator who is comfortable speaking with different people by phone and email. 
• Able to build positive relationships with clients, insurers and colleagues. 
• Tenacious and resilient when facing challenges or setbacks. 
• Organised and able to manage different tasks and priorities. 
• Attentive to detail, with strong written communication skills. 
• Proactive and willing to ask questions, contribute and support the wider team. 

To be eligible for our apprenticeship, you must:

• Have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

• Have lived permanently in the UK for the last 3 years.

• Have achieved a grade C/4 in GCSE English and Maths.

• Not already hold a qualification that significantly overlaps with the content of this apprenticeship.

Application process

Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know!

• Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.

• Online gamified assessment: We’ve created games that will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!
• Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.
• Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day, because where you are now, shouldn’t hold back your future!

Why should you apply?

At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll gain exposure to an exciting global industry, receive structured development throughout the summer and build relationships that could shape your future career.

You'll also benefit from:

• £23,000 and a generous pension scheme.

• Completing fully funded professional qualifications relevant for your role.

• Structured learning and development through our 18-month apprenticeship development programme.

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays.

• Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.

Ready to apply?

Want to know what life at Howden is really like? Visit our Early Careers hub to explore our culture, learn more about the insurance industry, and get practical tips to help you prepare for our recruitment process. It's also a great way to work out which career path suits you best.

You can also follow our TikTok accounts, @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, for behind-the-scenes insights into life at Howden, career advice, and application tips from our Early Careers team.

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one apprenticeship programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.

#ECApprentice27 #RetailECA27

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.