Graduate Scheme 2026

LGPS Central

  • West Midlands
  • £34,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 23 days ago
Investment Graduate Scheme 2026Welcome to our world of our world of opportunityOur journey began in 2018 with the pooling of local authority pension schemes. Today, proudly manages over £45 billion in assets on behalf of eight Local Government Pension Funds. We’re a private sector investment manager with a public service ethos, dedicated to securing financial futures for over one million scheme members. Our graduate trainees are key contributors to this mission and to the future of our organisation.At we offer the best of both worlds: a scale and credibility that gives you access to significant investment projects, and a small, collaborative culture where you’re empowered to take responsibility from day one. Our two-year rotational graduate scheme gives you the opportunity to explore multiple areas of our business. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience, complete a professional qualification, and receive ongoing support from experienced colleagues and dedicated mentors.Find out more in our .Our offices are based in Wolverhampton’s city centre, right next to train, tram and bus links, perfect for commuting or enjoying life after work. If you’re excited by the world of investments, interested in tackling complex financial challenges, and eager to contribute to long-term sustainable growth, we’d love to hear from you.Richard Law-Deeks, Chief Executive OfficerWhat is Pooling?Pooling is a way of bringing together the assets of several Local Government Pension Funds to invest collectively, rather than separately.Before pooling, each pension fund made its own investment decisions. With pooling, these decisions are made centrally by a specialist organisation like LGPS Central Limited, which manages investments on behalf of multiple funds.The goal is simple:
  • To reduce costs, by making use of scale
  • To improve investment outcomes, through greater expertise and efficiency
  • To broaden investment opportunities, by accessing markets and strategies that smaller funds may not reach on their own
Pooling helps ensure that public sector pensions are managed in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and professional way, creating long-term value for both the pension funds and their members.Our ValuesWe’re proud to be: One Central team, working in partnership, purpose-led in our investments, focused on delivering strong, long-term returns. Our values are the heartbeat of LGPS Central — they shape how we work, how we make decisions, and how we deliver results for our clients.We believe that living these values every day is what sets us apart — and it’s why our team thrives both professionally and personally.Shape Your Future at LGPS CentralAt LGPS Central, our culture is built around three core pillars (shown below) that guide how we work, how we support each other, and how we succeed together.For you as a graduate, this means the chance to do meaningful work, grow your career, and feel valued as part of a team that’s shaping the future of investments.Our Pillars show what you can expect when you join LGPS Central — the opportunity to make a real impact, grow your skills, and be part of an inclusive, supportive team.About the Graduate SchemeOur two-year rotational programme is your gateway to a permanent career in investment management at LGPS Central. You’ll spend your first two years rotating across multiple areas of the business — from high-profile front-office investment teams to the operational and risk functions that keep everything running smoothly — before moving into a permanent role that matches your skills and interests.From day one, you’ll be trusted with meaningful work that directly contributes to how we manage over £45bn in assets. This isn’t an “observe and shadow” kind of scheme — you’ll be in the thick of real projects, analysing live investments, contributing ideas in team meetings, and seeing the results of your work in action.You’ll benefit from unparalleled access to expertise:
  • A dedicated mentor throughout the programme to guide your development and challenge you to reach your potential.
  • Regular one-to-one sessions with senior leaders, giving you rare insight into strategic decision-making.
  • Ongoing in-house training alongside external courses to build your technical and professional skills.
We’ll sponsor your professional qualifications — starting with the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) in year one, followed by a specialist qualification in year two — ensuring you have the credentials to back up your experience.The exposure you’ll gain will cover the full spectrum of asset management — from sustainable investment strategies and global equity markets to private market opportunities and innovative risk management. You’ll work alongside colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds, giving you a well-rounded view of the investment world and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.By the end of your rotations, you’ll have:
  • A deep understanding of the asset management industry.
  • A network of respected professionals and industry contacts.
  • The skills, confidence, and qualifications to excel in your permanent role at LGPS Central and continue growing your career with us.
You can read the full details of the programme in ourYour Career Path: From Graduate to Investment LeaderAt LGPS Central, our graduate scheme is just the beginning. We’re committed to helping you build a lasting career in investments — with a clear pathway and the support you need at every stage. Many of our senior investment leaders started in entry-level roles and have grown with us, proving that ambition and hard work really can take you all the way.Typical Pathway in InvestmentsYour journey might begin as a Graduate Trainee, but it doesn’t stop there. With each step — from Investment Analyst to Investment Director — you’ll take on more responsibility, develop deeper expertise, and play an increasingly influential role in shaping our investment strategies. We’ll give you the training, mentorship, and opportunities to move forward at a pace that matches your drive and performance, ensuring your career keeps growing long after the graduate scheme ends.Discover more about career progression in ourWhat we are looking forWe welcome applications from graduates of any discipline with a 2:2 or above, who have graduated in 2024 or are graduating in 2025.You’ll be:
  • Curious, analytical, and eager to learn.
  • A strong communicator and a team player.
  • Proactive and ready to take initiative.
  • Motivated by a career in asset management and the opportunity to make a difference.
What we offerWe believe that to get the best out of our people, we need to give them the best in return. Our graduate scheme isn’t just a starting point — it’s the foundation for a long-term career with us, backed by competitive rewards, outstanding benefits, and a culture that supports your success every step of the way.Here’s what you can expect when you join LGPS Central:
  • Competitive starting salary: £30,850, recognising the value you bring from day one.
  • Work-life balance: 37-hour week with hybrid working, so you can combine the benefits of working in our Wolverhampton office with the flexibility of home working.
  • Generous annual leave: 30 days’ holiday plus one company day, giving you plenty of time to recharge.
  • Professional qualifications: Full sponsorship for the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) in year one, followed by a specialist qualification in year two — with study time built into your schedule.
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Generous pension scheme, private medical insurance for peace of mind, and an Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support.
  • Learning and development: Structured training, regular workshops, and access to experienced mentors to guide your career journey.
  • Clear career progression: From your first day, you’ll have a roadmap for your development, moving from rotational placements into a permanent role that suits your skills and ambitions.
  • Inclusive, welcoming culture: We’re proud of our friendly, collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and where diverse perspectives are valued.
At LGPS Central, you’re not just joining a graduate scheme — you’re becoming part of a purpose-driven organisation that invests in you as much as you invest in your career.Hear from Our GraduatesThe best people to tell you about our graduate scheme are those who’ve already been through it. At LGPS Central, our graduates don’t just complete a programme — they grow into influential roles across the business. Many have gone on to become portfolio managers, investment analysts, and even senior leaders.Here are some of our current and former graduates, sharing their experiences and the opportunities they’ve had to develop, progress, and make an impact.From their first day to their latest promotion, our graduates’ journeys show what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Your story could be next.Ready to take the first step?This is more than just a graduate role — it’s your chance to shape the future of investments while building a career you can be proud of. At LGPS Central, you’ll be trusted, supported, and challenged from day one, working alongside experts who are as invested in your growth as they are in delivering outstanding results for our clients. If you’re ambitious, curious, and ready to make an impact that lasts, we’d love to hear from you.Apply now and learn more in our .

LGPS Central