HR Apprenticeship 2026

Howden; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An international insurance company is offering an HR Apprenticeship in Milton Keynes. This role involves administrative tasks in HR, helping with onboarding, and gaining a nationally recognized Level 3 qualification. Ideal for recent school leavers or students, focusing on building skills in a supportive environment. The apprenticeship includes structured development and a salary.

Qualifications

• Final year sixth form/college students or recent leavers.
• Interest in process-driven environments and following processes with accuracy.
• Ability to handle challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Assist with onboarding of new starters.
• Maintain accurate employee records via Workday system.
• Respond to HR queries effectively.

Skills

Self-sufficient

Effective communication

Curiosity

Education

GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or higher

Job description

Who we are

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people around the world. We have pushed the boundaries of insurance and collaborate as a powerful international team of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for our culture. Whether your priorities are work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering, or other values, you’ll find like‑minded people driving change at Howden.

Location: Milton Keynes

Start date: September 2026

Salary: £23,000

Closing date: 21st November 2025

Howden Retail

Our Retail division is spread across the UK and Ireland and focuses on small to medium enterprises (SMEs), individual clients and private high‑net‑worth clients, providing tailored insurance solutions to meet their needs. We bring together experts to find the right answer for any question, concern, or risk.

Human Resources

Our Human Resources (HR) team supports colleagues across the UK and Ireland with onboarding, wellbeing, development and answering HR questions to create a great place to work.

If you're curious about how people are supported at work and enjoy helping others, this could be a perfect first step in your career.

The role

This is a one‑year apprenticeship programme where you will begin your career in HR as an HR Apprentice. Working closely with our team, you will learn how we support employees, solve problems, and help create a positive workplace experience. You may be involved in tasks such as preparing new joiner paperwork, updating HR systems, or contributing to projects focused on employee wellbeing and training.

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 in HR, while earning a salary and gaining 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 to ensure you’re set up for success.
• Take part in a year‑long structured development programme to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your role. All apprentices take part, providing a peer group to learn with.
• Respond to HR queries and maintain accurate employee records via our Workday system.
• Learn how we manage onboarding of new starters and ensure our employees are paid correctly and on time.
• Shadow experienced HR Advisors to understand employee relations and workplace queries.
• Develop your ability to respond to general business queries by supporting HR Advisors and observing how they handle requests and advise.
• Contribute to weekly HR reporting in team meetings and learn key metrics and processes.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as preparing documentation and updating HR databases.

What we’re looking for

No experience in insurance or HR is required; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

• Final year sixth form/college students or recent leavers
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or higher
• Self‑sufficient individuals who take initiative
• Interest in process‑driven environments and following processes with accuracy
• Comfortable communicating with managers at various levels
• Curious and eager to learn and develop
• Ability to handle challenging conversations with empathy and professionalism

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: upload a blank document on the form.
• Online gamified assessment to understand your natural strengths; there are no right or wrong answers, and you can complete it on your phone or laptop.
• Pre‑recorded video interview to share more about yourself in your own time.
• Assessment centre: an in‑person day at a nearby office with group activities. Travel costs for this day are covered.

At Howden, we are committed to equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Follow our Early Careers team on TikTok @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers for tips and behind‑the‑scenes insights. Think of us as career coaches by your side from start to finish.

What we offer in return

A career that you define. We value diversity and look for individuals who share our values: taking risks to try something new, supporting each other, and making a positive difference at work and beyond.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure roles align with your needs. This may include flexible hours or hybrid working, where possible. If you’re unsure, apply and we will help determine suitable adjustments.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner for more information.