Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds

Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
B

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our graduate programme to develop investment skills and make a positive impact.
  • Company: Border to Coast, a leading global asset manager focused on sustainable investments.
  • Benefits: Permanent contract, paid study leave, and fully funded qualifications.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in finance while making a difference for over a million people.
  • Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; just bring your passion for investment.
  • Other info: Hands-on experience with expert colleagues and ongoing career development support.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Application deadline: Friday, 13 February 2026, although we may close applications earlier dependent on the number received.

An opportunity to make a difference. Are you looking to start your career at an organisation where you can make a positive difference to people and our planet? Are you curious, numerate, keen to learn, a self-motivated team player who loves reading and researching? Can you develop ideas into strong proposals backed by data? If this sounds like you, then we’re keen to hear from you.

Whether or not you’ve already considered working in finance and investments, we’re looking for individuals that are excited by a challenge and ready to make an impact. Our focus is to secure the futures of over a million local government employees - people who have provided valuable service to their communities and society. We’re a c.£60bn global asset owner, and the largest UK asset manager outside London or Edinburgh. We provide innovative investments that aim to deliver sustainable returns over the long term.

The application process for our 2026 Graduate programme, starting in September, is now open. The programme provides a solid foundation for a career in investment management including training and accredited qualifications. Our Graduates join us on a permanent contract from day one. Following completion of the graduate programme, you would then progress into a full-time role as an investment analyst.

Diverse thinking is essential for great investment outcomes, so we encourage applications from graduates of all degree backgrounds (and we don’t require a 2:1 or higher). At Border to Coast, we believe investment skills can be taught. Our only pre-requisite is that you have an interest in investment.

As a customer-owned and customer-focused organisation, integrity is one of our values, as is our collaborative and sustainable approach. Border to Coast is the largest LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme) pool in the UK. We are owned by 11 Local Government Pension Schemes (‘Partner Funds’) who represent 3,100 employers and over a million members.

The Partner Funds have c.£64bn in investments, of which Border to Coast is responsible for managing and overseeing £55.4bn (as of 31 March 2025). In October 2025, we confirmed that seven additional LGPS funds would join the partnership following the outcome of the Government-led ‘Fit for the Future’ consultation. The seven funds will formally join as Partner Funds in April 2026.

Together, the 18 Partner Funds will have more than £110bn of assets, strengthening our partnership’s ability to harness scale to be more effective, more resilient, and more impactful. Our purpose is to make a difference for the LGPS. We seek to do this by providing cost-effective and innovative investment opportunities delivering returns over the long term for Partner Funds, their employers and over 1.1 million LGPS members.

We offer investment opportunities across equities, fixed income, private markets, and global and UK real estate. Responsible Investment is central to our work and is embedded in how we invest across our range of assets.

Our graduate programme is focused on developing knowledge, skills and behaviours in different areas of investment to make a difference to our Partner Funds’ investment outcomes.

Hands-on experience: Our graduate trainees are immersed in and gain hands-on experience of multiple investment concepts and teams to build skills, knowledge of the industry, what our Partner Funds need and how to develop ideas into compelling proposals. Over the course of the programme, our Graduate Analysts rotate through functions within our investment team.

This includes a foundation rotation in Equity and Fixed Income research working closely with Responsible Investment and learning about Portfolio Risk and Portfolio Management. Graduate Analysts then rotate through teams leading manager selection, Customer Relationship Management, and Alternative Investments. You will work alongside expert colleagues with a wealth of experience in each field to gain hands-on experience.

Qualifications: Personal and professional development are key features of the programme. This includes on the job training and fully funded qualifications that complement the programme – namely the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) Level 1, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Levels 1, 2 and 3. Paid study leave is available.

Ongoing career development: You’ll have support throughout the programme to set you on the path for success. The long-term career development of our graduates is important to us, and so we offer ongoing training in communication, personal, professional and career development skills on top of support for formal qualifications. Following completion of the graduate programme, you will then progress into a full-time permanent role.

Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds employer: Border to Coast

At Border to Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where every graduate can make a meaningful impact on the future of investment management. Our comprehensive Graduate Programme not only offers hands-on experience and accredited qualifications but also prioritises personal and professional development, ensuring that you grow alongside a team dedicated to responsible investment and sustainable returns. Located in the heart of the UK, we provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial security of over a million local government employees while working in a supportive environment that values diverse thinking and innovation.
B

Contact Detail:

Border to Coast Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the application process. This can give you insider knowledge and make your application stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to investment management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your answers.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for investment! During interviews, share your thoughts on recent market trends or investment strategies. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and understanding of the field, which is exactly what they're looking for.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us and making a difference in the investment world.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds

Numeracy
Research Skills
Data Analysis
Proposal Development
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Investment Knowledge
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Interest in Investment
Professional Development
Hands-on Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passions and interests. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for our Graduate Programme. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. Show us how your background can contribute to making a positive difference!

Show Your Curiosity: We love candidates who are curious and eager to learn. In your application, mention any research or projects you've undertaken that demonstrate your inquisitive nature. This will show us that you're ready to dive into the world of investment management.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme and what we’re looking for right there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Border to Coast

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their focus on sustainable investments and how they aim to make a difference for local government employees. This will help you connect your personal values with theirs during the conversation.

✨Show Your Curiosity

Since they’re looking for curious individuals, prepare some thoughtful questions about the graduate programme and the investment strategies they employ. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role but also eager to learn and grow within the company.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

As a self-motivated team player, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the past. Use specific instances where your teamwork led to positive outcomes, especially in challenging situations, to demonstrate your ability to contribute to their collaborative culture.

✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions

Since the role involves developing ideas backed by data, brush up on any relevant analytical skills or experiences you have. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data in previous projects or studies to support your proposals, showcasing your numerate abilities.

Graduate Programme 2026 in Leeds
Border to Coast
Location: Leeds
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

B
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>