A little about Isabel’s apprenticeship…
Apprenticeship Title
Level 3 Insurance Practitioner
Job title and employer
Claims Handler Apprentice at Howden
What are 3 skills you’ve learned so far?
During my apprenticeship journey so far, I have gained more resilience, confidence and developed prioritisation skills.
What are 3 interests outside of work?
My personal interests include horse riding, a good Starbucks treat, and Strictly Come Dancing on the weekends.
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What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship as your next step?
As a person who has a natural drive to work, University simply wasn't an option. I didn't fancy the constant parties, endless nights studying, travelling back home etc. When completing work experience with the Futures Academy/Visionpath in 2024, I discovered that an apprenticeship was perfect for me. This is because it matched my work ethic, and also the social side of me. You gain a lot of experience at a young age, and have the opportunity to learn from others that have been in the industry for years. I now have a career progression plan for myself, which the industry will be more than happy to help with.
Is there anything in the job or industry you're especially keen to learn more about?
The best part about Insurance and being an apprentice is you can attend so many events and develop your knowledge during work hours. During this, I have gained a very basic understanding of the law behind policies, Acts changing, and more. I would like to expand my knowledge about this over the next 10 or so months I have left on this journey.
"You will never stop learning in life, so I am looking forward to that."
What’s something you’re proud of so far?
I am so proud of the resilience I had during the application journey, despite so many difficult times. Visionpath truly helped me see the light at the end of quite a dark tunnel, and I cannot thank the amazing team enough!
Did you face any challenges during your assessment or onboarding process?
My application journey was very tough, I have to admit. There was a time where everything was going to plan, then things took a very sudden turn and everything hit a major brick wall in April 2024. It was so hard to keep a positive mindset during this time, and whilst applying to a few that were left, I had just lost hope. There were thoughts of working full time at Nike, going to university (which was an absolute no go). Then I just knew that I had to fight for what I wanted, despite the school and others suggesting university as a back-up. The resilience took so much strength to regain. Then The Talent Hub reached out and matched me to a role at Howden. I got through to the assessment centre, and during this day something just felt right. My interview with my now manager was amazing! Then waiting for a call was nerve-racking due to my past with applications. When the call came, and Howden wanted to offer me the role in the Professional Indemnity Claims team as a Claims Handler, I was over the moon! It really taught me that everything works out in the end, it just takes the right time to come around. I cannot thank Visionpath enough for all of the support during my journey, it'll never be forgotten. Special shoutout to Elaine, who helped me through April and the panics after the let downs!
"My advice to all people currently applying is never ever give up, keep your head high, and be yourself."
What support have you received throughout your journey so far, and what’s made a difference?
My whole team are absolutely out of this world. They have seen the drive in me and trusted me with some responsibility just a few months into the apprenticeship. They have been patient while I learn, and while I settle into my new routine during the week. I have been given Friday as a study day to focus on my career progression. My team have also been really supportive of my career progression plan, specifically the drive to complete the Cert CII, Dip CII and the ACII one after the other. One day in the future, I would love to be a manager, to help someone new the way they have helped me so far.
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
Things started to fall into place a few weeks ago, when everything started to move along a bit smoother. As I am across two teams - IFA (Financial Advisers) and Sols/Acc (Solicitors/Accountants) - it has been a really smooth journey so far of juggling the two and learning how each team prefer to do things. I can safely say that as of 23rd November 2025, I am mostly used to the new routine and prioritising tasks between the two teams. It does take time at first to adjust, but one thing I will say is time does fly at the start of your apprenticeship, so just enjoy it!
Connect with Isabel!
Here at Visionpath, our Ambassador Community is more than just a network, it’s a movement. Our ambassadors are current and former apprentices who are passionate about making a difference by sharing their real-life journeys to inspire the next generation.
Are you a current or former apprentice who wants to get involved in the movement? Email ambassadors@visionpath.co.uk to get started.
