Insurance Sales Apprenticeship 2026

Location:
Dorset (home office: Bournemouth)

Start date:
September 2026

Salary:
£23,000

Closing date:
21st November 2025

Working structure:
5 days in-office, plus a rotational Saturday morning shift (with time off in lieu).

Howden Retail

Our Retail division is spread across the UK and Ireland and focuses on small-medium size enterprises (SMEs), individual clients and private high-net-worth clients, providing them with tailored insurance solutions that meet their unique needs. Whatever the question, the concern, or the risk, we can get the right experts in a room and find the right answer.

Consumer and Local Commercial

We work with various clients from individual people to small local businesses, helping them protect the things that matter most to them. Our branches are split into two areas, which includes Personal Lines (Consumer) supporting individuals with personal risks such as home, car, van and health insurance whereas our Commercial Lines division supports local businesses, providing cover for risks that are unique to their business.

Do you enjoy building relationships, meeting new people and providing a good service? Ever considered stepping into the world of insurance? If you are curious about selling solutions that make a real difference to clients, this could be a perfect first step in your career.

What is the role?

This is a one-year apprenticeship programme where you'll start your career as a Sales Advisor, learning how to sell insurance solutions to clients and understand the world of insurance from the ground up. You'll gain hands-on experience working with our expert teams, helping clients with their insurance needs, and learning how individuals and businesses protect themselves against different risks.

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 qualification, all while earning a salary and gaining valuable real-world experience.

What you'll do?

• You will gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification for your relevant programme. As part of this, you'll spend one day a week studying with your dedicated trainer, who will support you every step of the way to ensure you're set up for success.

• Take part in a year long structured development programme designed to help you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your role. All of our apprentices take part in this programme, so you'll have a group of peers to learn alongside.

• Learn the foundations of insurance and sales through hands-on learning and structured apprenticeship training.

• Enhance your understanding of insurance sales by supporting brokers with finding new clients and sourcing relevant insurance packages.

• Strengthen your written communication by drafting professional email correspondence for clients

• Build your verbal communication skills by learning how to manage telephone calls with clients and insurers, assisting with their queries and capturing the required information.

• Use your relationship management skills to act as a point of contact for clients and provide exceptional customer service.

What are we looking for?

No experience in insurance is required; we'll teach you everything you need to know

• Final year sixth form/college students or recent college leavers.

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or 4.

• Confident communicators who are comfortable speaking on the phone with people at all levels.

• Tenacious and resilient individuals who thrive on challenges and enjoy working at a fast pace.

• Individuals who are driven to learn and develop their careers in insurance.

• Intellectually curious individuals who want to learn and grow.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Organised individuals who can manage their workload effectively.

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 one of our offices close to you. 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.