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 23,000 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.
Location: London
Start date: March 2026
Salary: £27,000
Human Resources
Our Human Resources (HR) team plays a key role in making Howden a great place to work. We support colleagues across the Howden Group with everything related to people, from hiring and welcoming new talent into the business to managing pay, benefits, performance and well-being. We act as a supportive network for our managers and employees and make sure everyone is set up to thrive.
If you are curious about how people join, grow and are supported within an organisation, this could be the perfect first step in your career.
What is the role?
This is a one-year rotational apprenticeship programme where you will kick start your career as a HR apprentice. You will join us in March 2026 where you will spend your first 4 months completing an introduction to HR. From September 2026, your formal apprenticeship programme will begin, and you will complete two 6 months rotations in different departments, gaining hands-on experience and a broad understanding of how our HR functions support our people at Howden.
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team who will guide you every step of the way. One day a week will be dedicated to studying towards a Level 3 HR qualification, all whilst earning a salary and gaining valuable real-world experience. Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will complete a Level 4 HR qualification and join a permanent HR team based on your skillset.
What will you do?
Shadow our various HR functions to learn show they support and advise our employees.
Build your confidence with answering HR-related queries from internal colleagues and external candidates.
Support with administrative tasks across HR functions such as updating HR systems and databases and maintaining accurate employee records.
Learn how to analyse HR data for weekly team reporting and contribute to preparing presentations.
Assist with various HR processes such as recruitment and onboarding new employees.
Help organise HR events and initiatives, such as training sessions or engagement activities.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure our colleagues are adhering to company policies and data protection regulations.
What are we looking for?
No experience in insurance or HR is required; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
Recent college leavers who have achieved GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or 4.
Driven and ambitious individuals who have a keen interest in HR and people functions.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow process accurately.
Organised and adaptable individuals who can manage multiple tasks in a timely manner.
People-oriented individuals who enjoy building relationships with others.
Confident communicators who are comfortable speaking on the phone and enjoy presenting.
Strong written communication skills when answering email queries.
Ability to manage employee related matters with professionalism, empathy, and respect.
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: These games 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 day at our London office. 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!
At Howden, we are committed to developing and maintaining a culture of equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Be sure to follow your Early Careers team on TikTok @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process! From exploring the roles on offer and understanding our assessments, to tips on how to ace your video interview - we have got you covered! You will also get behind-the-scenes insights into our assessment days: including how to prepare, what to wear, and what to expect.
Think of us as your career coaches, right by your side from start to finish.
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
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.
Permanent