Bid Apprentice Review
at Howden
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Insurance and Risk Management
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I manage RFPs end-to-end, from intake to submission. I attend kick-off and stakeholder meetings, capture actions, and track progress. I draft and refine response content, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with requirements. I organise and maintain folders and files, analyse data to support submissions, and coordinate CV collation to present the right expertise.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
This programme has been an incredibly rewarding journey for me. I’ve gained valuable experience, developed new skills, and learned a great deal about my strengths and areas for growth.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve developed a range of both new and existing skills. I’ve strengthened my ability to manage multiple RFPs simultaneously, improved my written communication through drafting and refining proposal content, and enhanced my stakeholder management by working closely with different teams. I’ve also developed stronger organisational skills through maintaining structured files and processes, and improved my analytical ability by working with data to support submissions
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It’s pretty well organised overall. There’s a clear structure and regular check-ins, so you know what you’re meant to be doing, but there’s also enough flexibility to get stuck in and learn by actually doing the work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I get a really strong level of support from my employer. My team are approachable and always willing to help, whether it’s answering questions or giving useful feedback. There are regular check-ins to keep me on track, but I’m also trusted to take ownership of my work, which has really helped build my confidence.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I get a good level of support from my training provider. The materials are clear and easy to follow, and there’s always guidance available if I need it. They break things down well, which makes it easier to stay on track with my studies alongside work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It helps a lot. The qualification gives me a better understanding of the industry and the work I’m doing, so I’m not just completing tasks but actually understanding the reasoning behind them. That’s made me more confident in my role and able to contribute more effectively.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are quite a few opportunities to get involved outside of day-to-day work. I attend various networking events across the company, take part in volunteering initiatives, and get involved in awards events. I’m also part of the company football team, which is a great way to stay active and connect with colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Howden to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would. It’s a great place to develop both professionally and personally. You’re given real responsibility early on, with strong support from your team, which helps build confidence quickly. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond your day-to-day role, like networking events and team activities, which makes it a well-rounded and enjoyable place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Howden?
Be yourself and show a genuine interest in the business and the industry. Howden values people who are proactive, willing to learn, and ready to take ownership early on, so try to demonstrate that mindset. It also helps to highlight any experience working in teams, managing responsibilities, or communicating clearly, as those skills are used a lot day-to-day. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and show curiosity, it really stands out.
