Trainee Trader Programme 2026
Welcome to our Trainee Trader Programme 2026
We are excited to launch our very first Trainee Trader Programme, starting in September 2026. This 24-month programme is designed to give ambitious and hardworking school leavers an opportunity to gain some hands-on experience in a trading floor environment, whilst studying for a professional qualification. This will suit school leavers who are looking for an alternative route from University, and who are keen to start building their career.
Execution Services is Peel Hunt’s trading and liquidity‑provision business. It sits at the heart of the UK equity market, executing trades and providing liquidity to investors every day across a wide range of UK‑listed companies.
The team combines market expertise, technology, and risk management to deliver fast, efficient and high‑quality trade execution for institutional, retail and intermediary clients. Execution Services is a core revenue‑generating part of Peel Hunt and plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s wider research, corporate broking and capital markets activities.
The Programme
By joining the Execution Services Team at Peel Hunt as a Trainee Trader, you’ll gain hands-on experience of how a busy and dynamic trading team operates on a day-to-day basis. To ensure that you get off to the best start, you’ll begin the programme with a tailored training plan, ensuring that you develop the key skills needed to operate within our business. You’ll also learn about what we do across Peel Hunt, with the opportunity to spend time with people in other departments so that you have a solid understanding of how we work together.
After you’ve settled into the business, you’ll begin studying for your qualification. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by a Mentor, an experienced member of the trading team who will work with you to guide, support and ensure that you develop the right skills through each step of the programme.
What you’ll do
Under the guidance and supervision of our senior traders, you will:
- Support market makers in providing two‑way prices across UK‑listed securities
- Assist with trade execution, booking and monitoring positions using trading systems
- Learn how to manage market risk, inventory and capital exposure in real time
- Monitor markets, news flow and price movements throughout the trading day
- Gain a detailed understanding of market structure, order books and liquidity
- Support the desk with post‑trade analysis, reconciliation and risk reporting
- Develop strong awareness of regulatory requirements and conduct standards
- Provide ad-hoc administrative support to the various teams across the trading floor
As part of the programme, you will rotate across our different desks, learning from our Traders and supporting them with tasks where appropriate. As you progress through the programme, you will gradually be given increased responsibility and exposure to trading decisions.
What you’ll gain
- Direct exposure to live trading desks and real P&L
- Structured development from apprenticeship to fully‑fledged trader
- Mentoring from experienced market makers
- A deep, practical understanding of how markets actually work
- A long‑term career path within trading and execution services
Why this programme is different
This is not a classroom‑based programme. From day one, you will be embedded on the trading floor, learning the craft of market making through observation, responsibility and experience. Trading is learned by doing, and this role is designed accordingly.
Discover more about what we do by watching the videos below.
Applications for the Trainee Trader Programme close on 6th March.
What do we look for?
Successful candidates will need to have completed their A-levels or equivalent in the past two years. We are looking for candidates who have a strong academic background (including Mathematics and English).
We’re seeking candidates who can demonstrate potential in the following areas:
- Strong numerical ability and logical thinking
- Calm decision‑making under pressure
- High levels of attention to detail and discipline
- Curiosity about financial markets and how prices are formed
- Confidence working with data, systems and technology
- Integrity, professionalism and accountability
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships
We don’t expect applicants to have all the skills from day one. We’re looking for candidates who are curious, eager to learn, and can demonstrate patience, resilience, combined with a strong work ethic and determination. This role will suit candidates who are keen to work in a fast paced and performance driven team environment.
We don’t expect candidates to have relevant work experience, but the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate determination and a willingness to succeed – whether through part-time work, work experience or other experiences that highlight resilience, drive and initiative. This will also suit candidates who have a keen interest in equities, ETFs, fixed income or financial markets.
About Execution Services
Execution Services is Peel Hunt’s trading and liquidity‑provision business. It sits at the heart of the UK equity market, executing trades and providing liquidity to investors every day across a wide range of UK‑listed companies.
The team combines market expertise, technology, and risk management to deliver fast, efficient and high‑quality trade execution for institutional, retail and intermediary clients. Execution Services is a core revenue‑generating part of Peel Hunt and plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s wider research, corporate broking and capital markets activities.
What does a market maker/trader do?
A market maker / trader at Peel Hunt’s job is to:
- Provide liquidity in UK equities (mainly small and mid-cap stocks)
- Quote two-way prices (bid and offer) to a range of clients and brokers
- Facilitate client trading flow while managing the firm’s risk
- Support Peel Hunt’s corporate broking and research franchise
- Manages risk arising from client trades and proprietary positions
- Respond to institutional, retail and intermediary flow
- Adjust prices dynamically as market conditions change
- Work closely with colleagues across Execution Services, as well as sales trading and technology to deliver high‑quality execution outcomes
Applicants should also resonate with Peel Hunt’s core values which are: Encourage Greatness, Empower Each Other, Only Accept Excellence and Do The Right Thing.
We look for candidates who demonstrate these values and understand our company purpose which is guiding and nurturing people through the evolution of business.
Recruitment Process
First stage - Application
Apply via our careers page – you will be required to complete a short video and submit a CV.
Second stage - Online Assessment and Interview
Successful candidates will be asked to complete a short online assessment and interview.
Third stage - In-person Interview
At the last stage of the process, successful candidates will be invited to our offices at 100 Liverpool Street for an assessment session that will give us the opportunity to get to know you and enable us to gain a rounded view of your skills and potential.
This will also provide candidates with the opportunity to hear more about our programme, Execution Services and working at Peel Hunt.
