Trainee Programme at Aviva Investors 2026

In partnership with Investment 20/20.

At Aviva Investors, we believe investment management should be open to a wider range of talent. Our Traineeship Programme provides an alternative route into the industry for individuals who have not obtained a university degree, offering the same professional standards, expectations and business exposure as our graduate programme.

This is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, starting September 2026, designed to build long‑term capability and support progression into investment management.

About you

At Aviva Investors, we know that great ideas come from diverse perspectives and experiences. That’s why we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. What matters most is your curiosity, your potential, and your motivation to build a long‑term career in asset management.

You’ll join us as a trainee on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, starting in September 2026, as part of a programme delivered in collaboration with Investment 2020. This traineeship is designed as an accessible entry route into the industry and is exclusively for individuals who have not obtained a university degree.

You don’t need prior experience in financial services. Instead, you’ll bring a willingness to learn, an interest in how asset management works, and the commitment to develop your skills through structured learning, on‑the‑job experience, and professional study towards the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

We’re looking for people who:

• Are motivated to build a long-term career in asset management

• Are curious, proactive and keen to learn

• Are comfortable working with data, systems or processes (depending on the role)

• Communicate clearly and work well with others

• Are organised, reliable and take ownership of their work

• Demonstrate professionalism and align with Aviva’s values

No prior experience in financial services is required.

About us

Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva. We manage assets on behalf of institutional, wholesale and retail clients around the world, helping them achieve their long‑term investment goals.

Our teams operate across a broad range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, private markets and real assets, supported by strong operational, risk and distribution functions. We focus on responsible investment, long‑term value creation and strong stewardship on behalf of our clients.

What is Asset Management?

Asset management is about investing money on behalf of clients to help meet long‑term objectives such as retirement income, savings growth and financial security. This involves:

• Researching markets and investments

• Making and implementing investment decisions

• Managing risk and performance

• Operating and servicing funds effectively

• Working with clients to understand and meet their needs

Asset management relies on a wide range of skills, from data and systems expertise to operations, oversight and client‑facing roles – not just traditional investment roles.

About the traineeship programme

The Aviva Investors Traineeship Programme provides hands‑on experience within a global asset manager, combined with structured learning, professional development and industry‑wide support.

From day one, you will join a business team at Aviva Investors and contribute to real work that supports our investment, operational and client activities. The programme is designed to develop the skills, experience and behaviours needed for a long‑term career in asset management.

The traineeship is delivered in collaboration with Investment20/20, an industry‑wide initiative that connects aspiring talent with a network of over 50 investment management firms committed to helping people start, grow and succeed in the industry. As an Investment20/20 trainee, you will:

• Be employed directly by Aviva Investors while enrolled on the Investment20/20 Trainee Programme

• Receive training and day‑to‑day development from your team at Aviva Investors

• Have access to the Investment20/20 development programme, including structured learning and networking opportunities with peers across the industry

This is a full‑time, 12‑month fixed‑term programme. You will remain within one team for the full duration of the traineeship (non‑rotational), allowing you to build depth of knowledge and confidence.

While this is a fixed‑term programme, trainees are often offered permanent roles at the end of the 12 months. At Aviva Investors, our aim is to develop talent for the long term; however, any offer of a permanent role is subject to performance, business need and role availability and cannot be guaranteed. Regardless of outcome, you will remain part of the Investment20/20 community and continue to have access to networking and development opportunities beyond the programme.

The Application Process

Apply online

Start by submitting your application through the link on our website. You’ll be able to select your preferred pathway, upload your CV, and answer a few simple questions about yourself. The process is simple and transparent.

Stage One: Application

Tell us about your interests and background and let us know which business area excites you most. We want to get a sense of who you are and what motivates you.

Stage Two: Online Assessments

You’ll be invited to complete two online assessments designed to help us understand your strengths and potential. You’ll have seven days to complete them – at a time that suits you.

Stage Three: Video Interview

This is your chance to shine! Our video interview lets us get to know you better. We want to know your aspirations, hear your experiences, and what you could bring to Aviva Investors.

Stage Four: Assessment Centre

If you reach this stage, congratulations! You’ll be invited to our virtual assessment centre for a dynamic day of activities. You’ll take part in a range of assessments, meet people from the business area you’ve applied to, and get a real feel for what life at Aviva Investors is like.

Explore our trainee pathways for 2026 and discover where you could make your mark.

COO

Is the COO Pathway right for you?

If you enjoy making things work better, like solving problems, and are interested in how different parts of a large organisation fit together, a role within the Chief Operating Office could be a great fit. These roles sit at the heart of Aviva Investors, helping ensure our investment activities operate effectively, safely and efficiently. 

We two roles within this pathway: 

• Investment Operations Oversight – supporting oversight activities that help ensure investment operations are effective, well controlled and meet internal and external expectations. Working alongside globally renowned third-party suppliers ensuring their services fit within agreed service delivery guidelines and within agreed budgets.

• Global Fund Services – overseeing how investment products are designed and where they are sold, and supporting fund administration, Client/Customer servicing and operational delivery for these products.

What’s in it for you?

• Hands-on operational experience: You’ll have the opportunity to learn about different investment products, the outcomes they are aiming at reaching our customers, and how we support our customers. This will include supporting key activities such as risk and controls processes, oversight activities and regular reporting, gaining insight into how investment operations are governed and managed. You’ll support the design and testing of customer communications, helping us make sure our messages are clear, effective and easy to understand, so customers can make informed investment decisions.

• Collaboration across teams: You’ll work closely with colleagues across operations, product and distribution, as well as other business areas, learning from experienced professionals and contributing to work that matters. There will be opportunities to be involved in a number of regulatory change projects, helping unsure we deliver to regulatory expectations and create the best possible customer experience/journey we can deliver good customer outcomes.

• Process improvement and innovation: You’ll help identify opportunities to improve how we work, using tools such as Excel, Power Automate and Generative AI to support efficiency and continuous improvement.

• A strong career foundation: These roles provide broad exposure to how a global asset manager operates, building skills that support long term career progression within asset management.

What will you bring?

• Your ‘A’ Game

• A problem‑solving mindset: You enjoy understanding how things work and finding ways to improve processes. Having a data-led mindset will be key too, we use data to help inform and shape our strategic direction, product design and customer experience.

• Attention to detail: You understand the importance of accuracy, controls and well‑managed processes.

• Collaboration and communication: You work well with others and can communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders.

• Curiosity and willingness to learn: You’re keen to develop your understanding of investment operations and how large organisations operate.

• Be prepared to challenge: Not only yourself, but also suppliers to ensure services are within agreed contractual agreements 

• Professionalism and integrity: You approach your work with accountability, care and a commitment to doing the right thing.

Learning and development

Throughout the trainee programme on each pathway, you will receive structured development aligned to our early careers framework, including:

• Full support to study towards the Investment Management Certificate (IMC)

• On‑the‑job learning within your team

• Ongoing coaching and feedback from your line manager

• Support from a workplace buddy

• Regular development check‑ins with the Early Careers team

This combination of formal learning and practical experience is designed to prepare you for long‑term progression within Aviva Investors.

Ready to make your move?

Apply now and help us shape the future of finance at Aviva Investors.

Inclusion and diversity

Around 1,000 people work across the world, bringing it all together for today’s investor. True integrated advantage starts with our culture.

When everyone feels part of a unified team, in an environment of fairness, inclusion and positivity, we all achieve more. Integrated advantage is created when everyone feels stronger together – with no barriers to their ability to contribute, collaborate and succeed.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.

Eligibility

This traineeship is exclusively for individuals who have not obtained a university degree.

This programme does not meet Home Office eligibility criteria for visa sponsorship. Therefore, we can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK without Aviva sponsorship for the entire duration of the programme and beyond. Applications from candidates on a Student or Graduate Visa cannot be progressed, as long-term sponsorship is not available. To be eligible for this role, you must have the indefinite right to work in the UK, as Aviva is unable to offer visa sponsorship.