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Insurance
One of the best-kept career secrets
Seeking a rewarding career, and the opportunity to gain industry leading qualifications? Well, look no further.
Our Early Careers Programme aims to promote insurance as a great career choice for all. Designed for school-leavers, university graduates, and those seeking a career change, the three-year long programme provides extensive hands-on training in a supportive environment, with the opportunity to work in a variety of roles across our Corporate & Commercial business – the opportunity to blend your work with your passions are almost endless.
Over five weeks you will have the opportunity to learn and grow outside of a branch environment, alongside your Early Careers cohort, which will equip you with the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running in your chosen role.
If you’re ready to get a foot on the insurance career ladder, apply here. Type 'Early Careers Programme' in the search bar to view all jobs and locations available.
What our Early Careers cohort have to say
I went into the programme not knowing much about insurance, but this wasn’t an issue as the training plan gave a great introduction and insight into all sectors of the industry which put me at ease for when I started my role. As well as training on insurance we also had soft skill training which I found beneficial, it helped with my confidence and developing my active listening, communication, and presentation skills.
The two best things that have come out of this course I would say are the connections across the business that have been made, and the friendships that have been formed in the group that I have worked with.
This experience has given me the confidence and knowledge to feel more prepared to start work within my team and begin my career in underwriting. As a graduate, Howden has given me fantastic support in transitioning into the insurance industry and I have confidence that I am on a pathway that offers me excellent opportunities for career and personal development with the company.
A day in the life of a young insurance broker
Still not convinced a career in insurance is right for you?
Discover what a day in the life is like for an Assistant Account Handler in our Employee Benefits division.
I pledge to provide a supportive pathway into the insurance profession for diverse talent through our Early Careers Programme. In 2024, we will welcome 30 school and university graduates into Howden to kickstart a rewarding career.
Early Careers Programme 2024
Early Careers Programme FAQs
We are hosting two Early Careers cohorts in 2024. If you would like to apply for either the 24 June or 21 October intakes, apply here.
If you are not available to start the Early Careers Programme on either of our 2024 cohort dates, contact our Talent Acquisition team to be added to our mailing list.
There is lots of interest in joining our Early Careers Programme and there are several stages to the recruitment process. We encourage candidates to complete applications as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
You will need a minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 (A*-C) to be considered for the Programme. In addition, we are looking for skills that will support you to work effectively with our clients and teams. Examples of this are customer service, communication skills, problem solving, natural curiosity, and attention to detail.
Absolutely! During your application you will need to demonstrate you have taken on-board prior feedback as this can help you achieve success this time around.
We're now accepting applications for our 2024 Early Careers cohorts. Apply for either our 24 June or 21 October intakes here. If you have any questions prior to making your application or require support with reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, email the Talent Acquisition team who will respond as soon as possible.
Our Early Careers Programme welcomes new starters twice a year. Our 2024 intake dates are 24 June and 21 October. Apply to participate in our Early Career Programme here.
We have a three-stage process that helps us learn lots more about you and your career motivations.
If your application is successful, the first stage is a digital solo interview. You will be sent a link to your personal interview room. In the interview room you will record yourself answering a series of questions that come up on the screen. Once completed, you save the details and submit it back to us. The interview is approximately 30 minutes in duration, though we don’t mind if you need more time – keep sharing your information as we love to hear from you.
The next stage is online pre-employment testing looking at numeracy, verbal reasoning, customer service and attention to detail. This takes around 50 minutes to complete.
You’re almost there! The final stage is a virtual interview with members of our team from around the Group. This helps us get to know you better and build our knowledge of the information you have previously shared with us.
When you receive your invitation to a digital solo interview, we encourage you to complete within 72 hours as we seeking to fill the roles on a rolling basis. If you require more time, please let us know.
Our Programme lasts for three years during which time you will begin with five-week residential course to develop your insurance knowledge – providing you with the foundation to kick-start your career as an insurance professional across key areas of our business, including broking, claims and underwriting.
Through our three-year development programme, you will receive multiple learning opportunities from online, hands on, and group projects. From the very beginning, you will receive tailored coaching and support from your manager and mentor. The five-week residential course will focus on developing your knowledge of Howden, whilst the latter stages are designed to expose you to your new role and the insurance industry.