Investment Graduate Program

Welcome to our world of our world of opportunity

Our journey began in 2018 with the pooling of local authority pension schemes. Today, LGPS Central 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 LGPS Central, 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 Graduate Recruitment Brochure.

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.

What 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.

About the Graduate Scheme

Our 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 our Graduate Recruitment Brochure

What we are looking for

We 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 offer

We 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.

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 Graduate Recruitment Brochure.