FAQs – School Leavers Programme
What school leaver programmes are available at Schroders?
There are two school leaver programmes on offer:
- Apprenticeship Programme
- Trainee Programme (Only being offered in 2025 for Wealth Management)
What’s the difference between an apprenticeship and a trainee programme?
Apprenticeship: part of the Investment20/20 programme
- 2 year permanent contract
- 20% of time dedicated towards studying a government approved accredited qualification (Level 3 or 4)
Trainee Programme: part of the Investment20/20 programme
- 1 year fixed term contract
- Accredited Industry qualification – Investment Foundation Certificate (IFC)
We do not currently offer higher or degree level apprenticeships
When should I apply?
Applications open in mid-January each year, and we recruit on a rolling basis, so it is advisable 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.
Webinar Registration and Benefits:
We host a webinar in February for those who wish to learn more about our programmes, Sign up in the link bellow.
- Learn more about our programmes directly from our team and current employees during our February webinar. Discover the opportunities at Schroders and get your questions answered.
When do the trainee/ apprentice programmes start?
Both programmes start on the same day; the first Monday of September.
Who is eligible for the programme?
- Recent school or college graduates with A-levels or BTECs.
- Individuals unsure that university is the path for them.
- Must be 18 years old by 1st September of the following year.
- Living in England.
- Must not be enrolled in another funded apprenticeship or further education programme at the time of starting.
Do I need to have studied specific subjects?
No. All of our trainee and apprentice roles are open to everyone regardless of what you’ve studied at school, and there are no UCAS point requirements.
What do you look for in a trainee/apprentice applicant?
Our trainee and apprentice programmes provide an entry point for anyone wanting to explore a career in the investment management industry, so we don’t expect you to be experts.
All we require is a can-do attitude, a willingness to get stuck in, and a flexible approach. 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.
Will I be kept on after the trainee/apprenticeship programme?
- Apprenticeship: 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.
- Trainee: Unlike the apprenticeship, the trainee programme doesn't offer a guaranteed permanent contract after the 12-month programme. Beyond attitude, the availability of positions is a key factor. If a suitable role is open at the conclusion of the one-year programme and the individual has demonstrated strong performance, there may be an opportunity for continued employment.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
We can only accept one application per apprenticeship or trainee programme. You may be asked to confirm which programme you’d like to progress with later or be put forward for a role we feel you are better suited to. If you are set in a particular role advertised, we recommend you apply only for that role.
What areas of the business do you recruit apprentices/trainees 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 Technology, Operations, Client Services, Business Development, Marketing and Communications, Compliance, Audit, Tax, Finance, Investment, and Wealth Management.
When do the assessment centres take place for school leaver programmes?
Assessment centres for both programmes take place between March and May.
What training and development opportunities will I receive as an trainee/apprentice?
Both programmes offer a hands-on introduction to investment management, while developing key technical and behavioural skills, and building professional networks across the business. You will have the chance to meet senior leaders to gain valuable insights and be paired with a buddy to help navigate the workplace. You will also be invited to join Investment20/20 external industry events enabling you to build your relationships with other young aspiring professionals at the start of their investment management careers.
In addition to this;
- Trainees: Complete the Investment Foundation Certificate; an industry-recognised qualification with the CFA Institute. This Level 3 certificate covers the essentials of finance, ethics, and investment roles, providing a clear understanding of the global investment industry.
- Apprentices: 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.
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 trainee/apprentice programme application process?
- Online application form
Tell us a bit about yourself, your key skills, and why you are interested in the role.
- Online assessments
Showcase your skills by completing three assessments: Gamified Situational Judgment Test (chatAssess), Deductive-logical Thinking (switchChallenge), and a Personality questionnaire (ADEPT-15® Workstyles). Learn more about preparing for online assessments from Aon, our provider.
Resource Links:
- Video interview
Upon successful test completion, complete a short competency-based video interview for us to know you better.
- Assessment centre
If successful, join an assessment centre to shine in front of employees and meet current apprentices/trainees.
- Offer
Success in the final round interview results in a role offer for our programme.
Contact Support:
- For application-related issues or general inquiries, please contact earlycareers@schroders.com
- For any Test Technical issues please contact schroders.support@aon.com
General enquiries
When can I expect to receive updates on the progress of my application?
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 feedback report follows completion, with further communication from the recruitment team potentially taking up to three weeks.
- Video interviews: We appreciate your efforts and review completed interviews near assessment centre times. You may wait for outcomes as we shortlist candidates for the next stages. Lack of communication implies ongoing consideration.
- Interviews and assessment days: Expect a minimum of one-week notice before an assessment centre. We strive for flexibility, accommodating exam schedules.
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 request completion of a diversity questionnaire during our recruitment process to understand applicant diversity and identify any representational gaps. Completing this information is voluntary, but we strongly encourage it to help monitor and refine our processes, ensuring inclusivity regardless of background.
This data is not used to make decisions regarding progression through the recruitment process, and the recruitment team has no access to your diversity data. Your data is used solely for statistical and monitoring purposes, aiding our Inclusion and Diversity strategy. Your responses are treated with the strictest confidence, aligning with legal data privacy requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our Job Applicant Privacy Policy can be found here: Schroders Job Applicant Privacy Notice