Future Apprentice of the Year – Celebrating Social Mobility.
Are you in Year 12 and thinking about what’s next — but don’t see many opportunities that feel made for you ?
Eligibility (important)
To apply, you must:
* Be in Year 12 (or equivalent)
* Attend a state school
* Receive free school meals
How to apply
* Deadline: 9pm, Sunday 11 January 2026
* You’ll hear back by 16 January 2026 if you progress to the next stage
We’re on a mission to find the Future Apprentice of the Year, celebrating social mobility, potential, and ambition - not polish.
This award is in partnership with Howdens, for students who bring energy, ideas, and determination. Especially those who’ve faced challenges or come from backgrounds where opportunities can be harder to access.
This is about recognising promise, backing potential, and opening doors.
What could you win?
If you’re selected as the Future Apprentice of the Year, you’ll get access to opportunities money usually can’t buy:
Exclusive Leadership Lunch
An invite to a private lunch with three highly influential leaders :
* Chief People Officer
* Chief Investment Officer
* Group Chief Risk Officer
You’ll hear their real career stories, ask questions, and learn what it’s genuinely like to work in a global organisation.
Insight Day at Howden HQ (Spring 2026)
If shortlisted, you’ll attend a one-day Insight Event at Howden’s HQ:
* Explore different career paths
* Learn what employers really look for
* Get behind-the-scenes access to the business
Fully Funded Insight Experience (October 2026)
A week-long Insight Experience, fully funded:
* Travel covered
* Accommodation covered
* Loss of earnings covered
So you can focus on learning, connecting, and building confidence and not worry about the cost.
What Howdens are looking for?
We’re not looking for “perfect CVs”.
We’re looking for potential .
You might be:
* Curious and proactive
* A good communicator
* Resilient and determined
* People-focused with a positive mindset
Integrity, effort, and a willingness to learn matter more than grades alone. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and want to explore whether the insurance industry could be right for you — we want to hear from you.
Why this matters to Howdens
Social mobility is core to our values. As an employee-owned business, they believe in independence, empowerment, and giving people the freedom to shape their own futures — regardless of background.
This award celebrates drive, values, and mindset, and gives young people a genuine platform to explore a career in an industry built on trust, relationships, and real-world impact.