At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a one-year HR apprenticeship, rotating through departments and gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Howden, a global insurance group with a strong employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Earn £27,000 while studying for a Level 3 HR qualification and gaining real-world experience.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in a supportive environment that values work/life balance and career progression.
- Qualifications: Recent college leavers with GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or 4.
- Other info: Flexible working options and travel costs covered for assessment centre.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1167 £ per month.
Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group owned by its employees. Together we push the boundaries of insurance. Our strength lies in collaborating as a powerful international team of 23,000 employees across 56 countries. People stay at Howden for our culture. Work/life balance, career progression, sustainability and volunteering bring like‑minded people driving change.
Location & Start date: London | March 2026
Salary: £27,000
What is the role? This one‑year rotational apprenticeship programme launches your HR career. In March 2026 you join for 4 months of HR induction. From September 2026 you rotate through two 6‑month periods in different HR departments, gaining hands‑on experience and a broad understanding of Howden’s HR functions. One day a week is dedicated to studying for a Level 3 HR qualification while earning a salary and gaining real‑world experience. Upon successful completion you qualify for Level 4 HR and may join a permanent HR team based on your skillset.
What will you do?
- Shadow various HR functions to learn how we support and advise employees.
- Answer HR‑related queries from internal colleagues and external candidates.
- Support administrative tasks across HR functions: update HR systems, maintain accurate employee records.
- Analyse HR data for weekly team reporting and contribute to preparing presentations.
- Assist with 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 colleagues adhere to company policies and data protection regulations.
What are we looking for?
- Recent college leavers who have achieved GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or 4.
- Driven, ambitious individuals with 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:
- Online application form – no CV required. Upload a blank document on the application form.
- Online gamified assessment – understand natural strengths and approach to situations.
- Pre‑recorded video – record answers to a few questions using phone or laptop.
- Assessment centre – in‑person day at the London office with group activities and meet‑team sessions. Travel costs covered.
What do we offer in return? Career defined by you. We value diversity and look for individuals sharing our values. Success comes from brave new ideas, small everyday moments and making a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments: We provide reasonable accommodations to align with your needs, including flexible hours and hybrid working where possible. Contact Recruitment Partner for details.
HR Rotational Apprenticeship Programme (London) in City of London employer: Howden
Contact Detail:
Howden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Rotational Apprenticeship Programme (London) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Howden! Research the company culture and values. This will help you tailor your responses during the assessment centre and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your pre-recorded video, rehearse your answers to common HR questions. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when it’s time to hit record.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend any Howden events. Building relationships can give you insider tips and might even help you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the application process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Rotational Apprenticeship Programme (London) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out the online application form, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for HR and how you can contribute to our team.
Nail the Gamified Assessment: This is your chance to showcase your natural strengths! Take your time, stay calm, and approach each scenario with a positive mindset. Remember, it’s all about how you think and react in different situations.
Prep for the Video Interview: Before hitting record, think about your answers to the questions. Practice makes perfect! Keep it conversational and engaging – we want to see your confidence and communication skills in action.
Stay Organised for the Assessment Centre: If you make it to the assessment centre, great job! Prepare by reviewing what you’ve learned about Howden and our HR functions. Bring your A-game to the group activities and remember to connect with others – teamwork is key!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Know Your HR Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key HR concepts and practices. Understanding the fundamentals of recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations will show your genuine interest in the field and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about people, be ready to share examples of how you've built relationships or resolved conflicts in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for the Gamified Assessment
Familiarise yourself with gamified assessments as they can be quite different from traditional tests. Practice online games that assess problem-solving and teamwork skills to get comfortable with the format and improve your performance.
✨Engage During the Assessment Centre
During the assessment centre, actively participate in group activities and discussions. Show your enthusiasm and ability to collaborate with others. Remember, Howden values teamwork, so demonstrating your ability to work well with others will make a great impression.