Trainee Development Programme
Ready to shape the future of finance?
Join our Trainee Development Programme (TDP) and make a real impact from day one.
The Commission is looking to recruit exceptional school leavers to join our summer 2026 intake of the Trainee Development Programme. This full‑time, salaried programme is designed to develop the next generation of regulatory professionals and is intended to lead to a permanent Analyst role at the Commission upon successful completion.
The programme offers a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, combining hands‑on work experience with fully funded academic study, professional development and structured support.
About the Programme
The Trainee Development Programme is open to school leavers with A Levels or equivalent qualifications in any subject. No prior experience in financial services or regulation is required — just the potential, curiosity and commitment to learn.
Successful trainees will:
- Work across the Commission’s regulatory Divisions
- Undertake external courses and professional development
- Gain real exposure to regulatory work and decision‑making
- Develop analytical, communication and workplace skills
- Be supported through mentoring, training and on‑the‑job learning
The programme is structured over a four year period and is designed to build strong foundations for a long‑term career at the Commission.
Earn While You Learn
As part of the Trainee Development Programme, you will earn a competitive salary while studying for a BSc in Applied Finance at the University of Exeter.
- Tuition fees are fully funded by the Commission
- Study alongside your day‑to‑day role
- Gain a recognised degree while building professional experience
- Contribute to securing good regulatory outcomes with integrity, proportionality and professional excellence
What You Will Be Doing
During the Trainee Development Programme, you will learn and undertake tasks such as:
- Researching regulatory topics and supporting project work
- Writing reports, letters and internal documents
- Assisting with reviews and making recommendations
- Supporting on‑site visits and engagement with licensees
- Developing sound judgement and analytical thinking
- Building confidence in a professional environment
Your responsibilities will grow as your skills and experience develop.
Rotations Across the Commission
Trainees will complete rotations within two of the Commission’s Divisions, which may include the:
- Banking and Insurance Division
- Investment, Fiduciary and Pension Division
- Financial Crime Division
- Enforcement Division
- Authorisations and Innovation Division
- Risk and Operations Division
These rotations provide exposure to a wide range of regulatory work and help you explore different career paths.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be school leavers with A Levels or equivalent qualifications in any subject
- Have achieved a minimum of B, B, B in their top three subjects
- Have achieved at least a Grade 5-6 in GCSE Mathematics and English
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for trainee development opportunities at this time.
Who We Are Looking For
Successful applicants to the Trainee Development Programme are expected to demonstrate the following key attributes:
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn, with an interest in financial services, regulation or public service
- The ability to form opinions, analyse information and exercise sound judgement
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- Professionalism and accountability, including reliability and punctuality
- Confident in asking questions and engaging in discussions
- Analytical thinking, including basic problem‑solving and numerical skills
- Self‑motivation and good organisational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines
- Adaptability and resilience, with a willingness to try new approaches
- The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues
Why Join the Commission?
- A paid, full‑time role from day one
- A fully funded university degree
- Structured training and development
- Real responsibility and meaningful work
- Exposure to multiple areas of financial regulation
- A clear pathway to a permanent Analyst role