Early Careers - Baillie Gifford
Apprenticeships
Menu
Intro image

Modern Apprenticeships.
Learn on the job.

Applications have now closed for the 2023 intake.

The programme

Get your career in financial services off to the best possible start with a Baillie Gifford Apprenticeship Programme. You’ll be working in a permanent role within one of our teams and gaining a variety of professional skills and industry qualifications, which will open up a range of opportunities within the firm.

Our Modern Apprenticeship Programmes start in August 2023. We offer a generous package, including £20,000 salary, a £500 sign-on bonus to help you prepare for working life, an annual bonus, 33 days’ holiday, a market-leading pension, private medical insurance and life assurance.

We would love to see you at one of our events. Further information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Support and training

At Baillie Gifford we believe in you driving your own development with a support network to help you on your journey. Regardless of the Apprenticeship you embark on, you will have the support of your line manager and a “buddy” from within the department you join. As part of your studies, you will have support from your learning consultant guiding you through your apprenticeship. In your first week, you’ll discover more about the firm and our collaborative approach. We’ll also give you an overview of investment management, including a full explanation of the process of investing.

As you work towards your professional qualification, we offer a broad range of development courses – everything from time management and effective communication to networking and assertiveness. And once you’re qualified, the support continues with a whole host of training opportunities and frequent social events. Your growth doesn’t end with the programme – professional development is a way of life at Baillie Gifford. 

At Baillie Gifford, we’re fully committed to the well-being of our employees. We’re also proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment, which includes employee networks such as Multicultural, LGBT+, Neurodiversity Group and Mental Health Group. For more information on Life at Baillie Gifford, please click here.  

Opportunities

Information Systems

Technology underpins everything we do. That’s why we don’t wait around when it comes to leading-edge technology – we invest in it. You’ll immediately be part of an exciting, pioneering environment, whether you join one of our Technical Infrastructure or Application Development teams. Our Information Systems apprenticeships all offer the opportunity to work towards a qualification in Information Technology & Telecommunications at SCQF Level 6. And whichever you choose, you have the chance to get hands-on with the latest tech and work with internal users throughout our business.

Travel

In order to deliver the best service and the most insightful research, Baillie Gifford’s employees travel the world to meet with clients and companies. Our Travel Team is our centralised booking service for all their travel requirements, from rail and air tickets to accommodation and taxis. We have an opportunity for an individual to join the team and provide a high-quality, efficient service to all travellers ensuring their safety and cost-effectiveness for the firm. 

Reception

An opportunity also exists to join our Reception team. From warmly greeting visitors directing telephone calls, and assisting colleagues with queries, you’ll deliver excellent customer service. In addition, you’ll be allocated daily administrative tasks, including managing room bookings.

If you have a passion for providing excellent customer service, why not join our Travel or Reception Team and work towards the SVQ in Business Administration at SCQF Level 6.

Facilities Management

Building Services and Workplace Services

Facilities Management provides a number of support services to the firm. This includes managing day to day running of our offices and ensuring a comfortable and appropriate working environment for staff. The department is also responsible for the Health and Safety of all employees and visitors. We have opportunities in building services (assisting with maintenance tasks) and facilities services (general support service); both will allow you the opportunity to support our commercial properties. Opportunities exist to join the department as we move to our new office at Haymarket in 2023/24.

This unique opportunity will allow you to be involved from the outset of our transition to Haymarket while working towards an SVQ in Facilities Services at SCQF Level 5.

Client Administration

In the Client Administration department, you’ll be part of the team that aims to build strong relationships with our clients. This 100-strong department is the first port of call for clients on all operational and administrative matters. You’ll be keeping our client’s information up to date, supporting colleagues and ensuring timely responses to queries, in addition to contributing ideas on how to improve the client service we provide. Throughout the programme, you’ll work towards an SVQ in Customer Service in the Financial Services Sector at SCQF Level 6.

Our requirements

If you’re aged 16 or over, are curious, self-motivated, and have the desire to learn, an apprenticeship at Baillie Gifford could be just what you’re looking for. We’re more interested in your enthusiasm and desire to learn than we are in your subjects and grades. Our people are from a variety of backgrounds, and each bring something different, and this we consider a key strength.

If you have good communication skills, are self-motivated and are a team player, then we want to see how you can use your initiative and rise to the challenge. Let us know what you’re passionate about. We’re genuinely interested, even if it’s not directly related to the role.

“After six months I feel like I'm already paving my future within the company.”

Amy Smith,
Trainee Transitions Assistant

Application process

step image Stage one

It’s quick and easy to apply online. Just send us your CV telling us about your education history, interests and attributes and then answer a few simple questions on the online form.

step image Stage two

If you’re successful in the first phase, we’ll invite you for an interview with some of our department line managers. We’ll explore your application in more detail, together with some competency-based questions that assess your abilities and strengths.

step image Stage three

This final stage is more in-depth. You will visit our Edinburgh office, where we will further assess you for the apprenticeship programme. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and speak to current apprentices, team members and other employees.

Meet our People

Profile image
Adam Laidlaw Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting
Profile image
Millie Strang Modern Apprenticeship in ‘Providing Financial Services’
Profile image
Eilidh Brown Modern Apprenticeship in Trading and Administration
Profile image
Millie Carlin Trainee Cyber Security Analyst
Profile image
Amy Smith Trainee Transitions Assistant
Profile image
Rory-Thomas Harrison Trainee Settlements Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the apprentice programmes open for applications?

Our programmes open for applications from 22 February 2023 and closed on 28 April 2023.

When do the apprentice programmes close for applications?

The programmes close on 28th April.

When is the start date for the apprenticeship programme?

The programmes start in August 2023.

Where are your offices based?

All apprenticeship programmes are based in Edinburgh, our head office. If you accept a place, you’ll need to be able to commute to Edinburgh.

Do you reimburse travel costs for interviews?

We will reimburse expenses related to the recruitment process. First-stage interviews will be conducted remotely, and second-stage interviews will be held in person at our Edinburgh office. We will reimburse expenses, including travel and reasonable food expenses. Please retain any receipts. Guidance will be provided for candidates invited to the second stage.

What qualifications do I require?

Please see individual job adverts for requirements by clicking apply now.

Can I apply for more than one apprenticeship programme?

We understand that it is important for you to find the right apprenticeship programme and would encourage you to research all our available opportunities. To ensure you make the best decision, we recommend attending one of the events listed on our website, where you can hear from the programme leaders and current apprentices. However, if we believe there may be a more suitable role for you, we may consider you for a different apprenticeship programme and would let you know if this is the case. 

What do I do if I have a special requirement and need help with the application process?

Just get in touch. We’ll do everything we can to make our application and recruitment process accessible for you. So, if you do need our support, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

How long is the process and when are the interviews?

You’ll receive an automated response when you submit your application to confirm that we’ve received it. First-stage interviews will be held from the end of May onwards and the final stage of the process will be held during the second half of June.

Will I get feedback throughout the application process?

If you attend an interview at Baillie Gifford, you can request feedback following this, regardless of the outcome. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback if you do not make it past the application stage, due to the large volume of candidates.

Who should I contact if I have any technical challenges submitting my application?

If you have any technical issues with our website when submitting your application or registering for one of our events, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Are the apprenticeship programmes permanent opportunities?

All of our apprenticeship programmes are permanent opportunities. Therefore, if you accept a role at Baillie Gifford, we will be committed to your long-term career development throughout the programme and beyond.

I’ve applied before. Can I apply again?

Yes, we accept applications from candidates who have applied previously.

What training and development do you offer?

All apprentices join as a cohort and are provided with a structured training programme, on-the-job training, a buddy and a dedicated learning consultant to support you through your apprenticeship modules. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to learn a variety of professional skills.

Apprenticeships - Events

Modern Apprenticeship Webinar

) 29/03/2023, 18:00 - 19:00

Join our webinar to hear from representatives across the firm. You will hear about the opportunities on offer in more detail and you will also meet some of our past Modern Apprentices who will talk about their experiences on the programme. We’ll also share hints and tips on making a successful application.

Watch the Webinar

DYW Roadshow

) 22/03/2023, 09:30 - 13:30

O2 Academy, Edinburgh. Come visit us at the DYW Roadshow where will have representatives from the Modern Apprenticeship programme on our stand ready to provide more information on the range of opportunities available and answer any questions.

Early Careers opportunities