Salary Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 19
TRAINEES & JUNIOR LONDON MARKET
Overview of the market
Recruitment requirements for Graduate Trainees and A Level/College leavers during 2025 has
seen a continued decline from previous years. The first quarter showed limited requirements in
this area; in fact we have seen that it has only really been since September 2025, that a number
of roles have been available.
In addition, a real change in the quality of academic grades, with an unprecedented number of
candidates with straight A9s (grades 7,8,9) across the board, and As/A*9s at A level. This means
that our clients have increasingly high expectations from candidates, even for the most junior of
opportunities. Alongside this, our clients are expecting a higher level of research and proactivity
in securing work experience placements, joining industry forums and even starting industry
qualifications.
Clare Dye
(Associate Director)
Clare.Dye@ipsgroup.co.uk
We have seen a number of temporary openings at large corporations to work in an
administrative capacity, which in turn have developed into permanent and more progressive
career openings. Candidates should be readily open to opportunities which may have a 8back
office9 feel, which they may know nothing about (outside of broking/underwriting), as a way to
get into the market.
Graduate / Apprenticeship Schemes are highly sought after, sometimes with thousands of
applicants for only a handful of places. There is often no feedback given directly, and processes
can take months to come to a conclusion.
www.ipsgroup.co.uk
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