Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Social Mobility

Are you the

Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Social Mobility

?

We’re searching schools, colleges, and sixth forms across the UK to find the next Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Social Mobility.

In partnership with Howden, this award is for students who bring energy, ideas and determination, especially those who have faced challenges or come from a background where opportunities can be harder to access. We want to celebrate young people who show promise, ambition, and a desire to keep moving forward.

To enter, you must:

  • Be in year 12 or equivalent
  • Attend a state school and receive free school meals
PRIZES

What could you win?

You could win the chance to attend an exclusive lunch three of Howden’s most influential leaders - our Chief People Officer, Chief Investment Officer & Group Chief Risk Officer, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, hear about their career journeys and learn what it’s really like to work in a global organisation.

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll also be invited to a one-day Insight event at Howden's HQ in Spring 2026. This will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the business, different career options and the skills employers look for.

The experience continues with a fully funded, week-long Insight Experience in October 2026. Travel, accommodation and any loss of earnings are covered, so you can focus on getting the most out of the opportunity.

about you

What makes an Award winner?

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, proactive, and people-oriented, those who show initiative, communicate well, and bring a positive mindset. Integrity, resilience, and a genuine interest in making a difference are key.

We’re not looking for polished professionals, we’re looking for potential. Achievements matter, but so does attitude, effort, and the ability to grow. We want to meet young people who are ready to explore, connect, and discover if the insurance industry could be the right fit for them.

about our partner

Social mobility is deeply important to Howden. As an employee-owned business, we believe in independence, empowerment, and giving people the opportunity to shape their own futures, regardless of background. We’ve always been driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to hiring talented individuals, then giving them the freedom and support to make a real impact. Partnering with the Future Apprentice of the Year Programme is a natural extension of that ethos. This award matters to us because it celebrates potential, not polish. It’s about recognising young people who have the drive, values, and mindset to thrive in a business like ours, and giving them a platform to explore a career in an industry built on trust, relationships, and real-world impact.

To find out more, click here.

going all the way

How do I win?

1. Register your details
2. Submit your application by
January 18, 2026
Your details must be submitted and completed by 11pm on Sunday 18th January 2026. If you are successful in making it through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 19th January 2026.
3. Assessment
If you are successful in making it to the next stage of the application process, your application will be reviewed by Howden.
4. Grand Final
The final shortlist of 10 students will be invited to the awards ceremony on the 27th February 2026, where the award winners will be announced. All finalists will be invited to bring along a parent or carer to celebrate the big occasion.