FAQs – Apprenticeship Programme
When can I apply?
Applications open in January each year, and we recruit on a rolling basis, so we advise you to apply sooner rather than later. Please check the job descriptions on the website for full details. We advise saving a copy of the job description to refer back to later in the recruitment process.
What areas of the business do you recruit apprentices in to?
Roles vary year on year depending on where the business needs you most. We typically open roles across a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, Client Services, Marketing and Communications, Investment Product and Wealth Management.
When does the apprenticeship programme start?
The two-year apprenticeship programme usually starts within the first two weeks of September.
Who is eligible for the programme?
Our apprenticeship scheme is primarily UK based as they are governed and funded through the UK Government levy.
You must be:
- 18 years old by 1 September, the year the role is due to start.
- Living in England and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years before the apprenticeship start date. For more information about what ‘ordinarily resident’ means, please visit gov.uk and search for the Ordinary Residence tool.
- A recent school or college leaver with A-levels, BTECs or equivalent qualifications.
- Have limited experience in a professional services environment. This programme is designed for those at the start of their professional career who are seeking an alternative to university and are eager to build a career through hands-on learning and professional development.
- Not enrolled in another government-funded apprenticeship or further education programme when starting with us
Do I need to have studied specific subjects?
No. Our apprenticeship roles are open to everyone, regardless of what you studied at school, and we do not set UCAS points requirements. However, you will need to have achieved a minimum of Grade 4 (or equivalent) in both GCSE English and Maths.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
We can only accept one application per apprenticeship programme.
What do you look for in an apprentice applicant?
Our apprenticeship programmes provide an entry point for anyone wanting to explore a career in the asset management industry, so we don’t expect you to be an experts.
What we do require is a can-do attitude, a willingness to get stuck in, a flexible approach and potential. Our five core values – passion, innovation, integrity, teamwork, and excellence – underpin our business, and we look for these attributes in the people we recruit. We encourage open-mindedness and a willingness to use the programme as an opportunity to learn all you can about our industry and business.
Do you offer Degree Level Apprenticeships?
We currently offer apprenticeships at Levels 3 and 4. At present, higher and degree-level apprenticeships are not offered as part of our standard programme but this is something we are looking to offer in the future.
What training and development opportunities will I receive as an apprentice?
You'll learn how asset management works by doing real work, not just watching. Along the way, you'll build practical skills, grow your confidence, and meet people across the business. You'll have a buddy to help you settle in, opportunities to hear from senior leaders, and access to industry events through Investment 20/20 — where you'll meet other people at the same stage of their careers.
In addition to this, the apprenticeship training received and qualification achieved will be specific to the apprenticeship programme and business area you apply for. You will receive an accredited apprenticeship qualification (either Level 3 or Level 4) at the end of two years.
What happens after the formal two-year apprenticeship programme?
The two-year scheme is designed to upskill and develop apprentices within a permanent role, rather than operating as a fixed-term contract that ends when the programme finishes. As with any permanent employee, your role and future career at Schroders is based on several contributing factors, including personal and business performance, passing the accredited qualification, and meeting business and behavioural expectations.
Can I re-apply if I am unsuccessful?
Yes, we encourage you to re-apply for another role in line with your skills and aspirations in the following recruitment phase.
What is the apprentice programme application process?
Stage | Assessment | What is tested? | Why are we testing this? | Format | How long is it? | |||||
Application submitted | ||||||||||
Stage 1 | Cognitive Assessment | Numerical, critical and diagrammatic reasoning, including how you work with numbers, interpret information and spot patterns. No specialist knowledge is needed. | How you analyse information, solve problems and make decisions. | Short online multiple-choice test. | Around 20 minutes | |||||
Stage 2 | Motivation & Behavioural Assessment | What motivates you, how you like to work and what matters to you. | What drives you, how you work with others, and how your strengths align to the role and our values. | Short online multiple-choice questionnaire. | Around 20 minutes | |||||
Stage 3 | Workplace Scenarios & Video Intro | Realistic workplace situations and a short recorded video answer. | How you think, communicate and respond to practical workplace scenarios. It is not about being polished. | Online workplace scenario questions plus a short recorded video answer. | Around 30 minutes | |||||
Stage 4 | Assessment Centre | A group activity, short presentation and interview. | How you work with others, communicate and approach tasks in practice. | Usually in-person at one of our offices, or virtually depending on location. | Around 4–5 hours | |||||
When do the assessment centres take place?
Assessment centres for our apprenticeship programme take place between January - March.
Webinar registration and benefits:
The Emerging Talent team at Schroders host a webinar each February for those who wish to learn more about our apprenticeship programme. This webinar provides you an overview of our apprenticeship programme, what to expect from the recruitment process and gives you an opportunity to ask questions. Please keep an eye on our website to sign up when we go live!
General enquiries
When can I expect to receive updates on the progress of my application?
We receive many applications each year and process them as quickly as possible. We will notify you of any updates or decisions regarding your progression to the next stage. If you are not successful, we will also let you know
Due to high application volumes, processing takes time. We aim for timely communication at each stage via email:
- Online assessments: An automated email invites you to complete online assessments. A bespoke feedback report after all three stages of the online assessments will follow within 24 hours, with further communication from the recruitment team. You may wait for outcomes as we consider all applications and shortlist candidates for the next stages.
- Interviews and assessment days: Expect a minimum of one-week notice before an assessment centre. We will do our best to be flexible, especially for those with examinations to complete.
Can I request feedback?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide additional individual feedback on request due to the high volume of applications we receive. However, candidatesyou will receive an individual and bespoke feedback report after each of the three online assessment stages, usually within 24 hours of completion. These reports provide deeper insight into your strengths, as well as development recommendations you can take forward throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
My circumstances have changed. How do I remove myself from the application process?
You can withdraw your application at any time with the account details that you used to apply for the role. If you have any difficulties in doing so, please email earlycareers@schroders.com.
What if I have access requirements or special needs?
Online assessment Stages 1 and 2 are not timed, so you can complete them at a pace that works for you. If you progress to Stage 3 onwards and would benefit from any adjustments or support, please contact us as early as possible at earlycareers@schroders.com so we can help.
What do I need to wear to the assessment centre?
We recommend dressing smartly and comfortably in a way that helps you feel confident. This aligns with both the assessment centre dress code and our day-to-day working environment.
Smart business wear is recommended and may include a smart suit, plain shirt or blouse, smart knit top, smart trousers, a skirt or dress, and clean, smart shoes. You do not need to buy anything new or expensive; what matters most is that you look neat, presentable and professional.
We recommend avoiding trainers, ripped jeans, hoodies, caps and clothing with slogans.
For the stage 3 video interview, please dress as you would for an interview or assessment centre, as your camera will be on. This does not need to be anything fancy or expensive, but we recommend choosing something neat, comfortable and professional.
Why do you collect information about me and how do you use it?
At Schroders, our vision is for our workforce to represent the diversity of the communities in which we operate globally. We invite candidates to complete a short set of diversity questions as part of the recruitment process. This helps us understand the diversity of our applicant pool and identify any areas where representation may be lacking.
Providing this information is entirely voluntary; however, we strongly encourage applicants and employees to complete the diversity questionnaire. This allows us to continually monitor and improve our process, ensuring it is inclusive to everyone regardless of background.
This data is not used to make decisions on who we progress through the recruitment process, and the recruitment team has no access to your diversity data. Your data will be used for statistical and monitoring purposes only, informing our Inclusion and Diversity strategy.
Your answers will be treated in the strictest confidence, and all data is held in line with legal data privacy requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found here:
Further questions?
If you have further questions about the graduate programme, please email earlycareers@schroders.com.
What student programmes are available?
Visit our Early careers | Schroders global site to learn about available programs, eligibility requirements and upcoming events.