Dalriada Trainee/Graduate

Our Trainee Development Programme offers a structured and supportive pathway to build a long‑term career in the pensions industry with Dalriada Trustees Limited (Dalriada). We have opportunities available in London, Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow. This programme is open to graduates, as well as individuals in the early stages of their careers who have gained relevant work experience and are looking to progress in the pensions sector.

Dalriada is one of the UK’s largest professional trustee firms, delivering independent trusteeship, governance, administration and pension scheme management services across schemes ranging from £1 million to over £20 billion in assets. Our approach is collaborative, people‑centred and grounded in integrity. Whether through sole trusteeship, our Dalriada Together model, or pensions management services, we focus on practical, high‑quality outcomes that genuinely make a difference. At Dalriada, you will join a team that values inclusion, fresh thinking and professional growth. With national scale and strong technical capability, we offer trainees an environment where they can contribute, learn and thrive.

We provide a structured training plan designed to develop your technical knowledge and broader professional competencies. You will gain experience across a variety of pensions‑related work and have the opportunity to undertake relevant professional qualifications, with study time provided. Working alongside experienced colleagues across our UK offices, you will support clients from diverse sectors while learning core pensions principles, project delivery and relationship‑management skills. As your experience grows, you will take on increased responsibility for technical work and client support.

About You

• Support the delivery of proactive, high‑quality client service.
• Apply critical thinking and creativity to develop solutions tailored to client needs.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues through written and verbal channels.
• Assist in Trustee meeting preparation, including drafting agendas, collating meeting packs and progressing toward producing increasingly technical minutes.
• Act as a point of contact for client queries, developing confidence in providing clear and accurate information.
• Contribute to financial management activities, including time recording, budget monitoring and billing.
• Work with senior and specialist colleagues to build technical pensions across our services.

Responsibilities & Criteria

• Higher Education qualification or A‑Level or equivalent: grades B or above.
• At least 5 GCSEs at Grade 6 or above including Maths and English.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• A proactive approach with the ability to use initiative and take ownership of work.
• Good IT skills, including competence in Microsoft Word and Excel, and confidence in learning new systems (training and support provided).
• A demonstrable interest in pensions, financial services or professional services.
• Ability to work at your preferred office location a minimum of two days per week.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to client meetings and other Dalriada offices across the UK, with reasonable adjustments available where required.
• Higher education qualification (or working towards one); and/or relevant experience, internship or placement within professional services, financial services or administrative environments.
• Interest in pursuing pensions‑related or trustee‑related professional qualifications.

Behavioural competencies for the role

• Decisive Action
• Integrity & Values
• Networking
• Clear Communication
• Learning Agility
• Results Focus

Benefits

• Flexible annual leave
• Flexible working options (onsite and hybrid)
• Income protection and life assurance
• Health cash plan and dental cover
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Car leasing scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket loans
• Charity payroll giving

Development and Support

You will receive structured on‑the‑job training, mentoring from experienced colleagues and clear development pathways across technical and client‑management areas. Dalriada supports professional qualifications and long‑term career development.

Right to Work

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Circumstances

• Location: Within a commutable distance of our London, Glasgow, Manchester or Belfast offices, with occasional UK travel and overnight stays as required.
• Hybrid working: Minimum of 2 days per week in the office, with more regular attendance expected during the first 6 months to support training and onboarding.
• Working hours: Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with additional hours where agreed and required to support business needs.
• Screening: All roles are subject to a six‑month probation period, Access NI check and reference checks.

Before applying, please ensure you can attend an Assessment day on one of the below locations and dates: Manchester on 27th March, Glasgow on 31st March or London on 1st April.

3173 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Commitment to Inclusion Dalriada is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to increasing the representation of disabled colleagues and operate a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure you can participate fully and comfortably. Information provided will be treated confidentially and used only to support you.