Section: Graduate, Apprentice - and Internship Programmes
First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. More than two decades later, our strong growth path has continued year on year, and we now employ over 500 people across seven locations.
First Actuarial is owned by Gallagher, one of the world’s leading insurance brokers, risk management and consulting firms. First Actuarial forms part of Gallagher’s UK Benefits & HR Consulting division (GBS UK).
GBS UK is a leading provider in the pensions consultancy market, offering a full end-to-end retirement proposition, including actuarial and investment consulting, risk transfer, pensions administration and retirement communications. With experts positioned across all regions, we support pension schemes of all sizes across the full range of solutions.
First Actuarial operates nationally with more than 550 colleagues across seven UK offices. Our focus is on delivering high-quality advice and service at a fair and transparent level of fees.
As we develop our business, opportunities for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough, Tonbridge, and London offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback, so we all learn and improve.
We love numbers, but we love people more. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance have always been core values. Beyond the firm, we’re known for our integrity. We’re happy to challenge conventional thinking and speak up. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.
Following a very successful summer internship programme, which allowed us to fill most of our graduate roles, we now invite applications for our remaining opening in Basingstoke
All our graduates are welcomed into a stimulating work environment, working with professionals from diverse backgrounds in friendly and close-knit teams.
Actuaries use numeracy skills to help pension scheme trustees and employers manage their pension schemes. We grapple with huge uncertainties like inflation and manage the risks that can damage people’s lives.
Although it sounds like a cliché, no two days will be the same. As an actuarial student, you ‘ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit – on actuarial calculations, models and client communications.
As a new graduate, you’ll join our training programme to build up essential skills and knowledge. We provide an excellent study support package – including IFoA membership fees, study materials and study leave – to help you qualify as an actuary.
"I joined First Actuarial as a Actuarial Trainee as part of a career change and I’m so glad I did. The thing that immediately stood out to me was the supportive and friendly environment, which has allowed me to develop without the worry of making mistakes. You are given real responsibility early on doing actuarial calculations in valuations and pension cost accounting work, safe in the knowledge that the work will be checked and reviewed. Having this system of doers, checkers and reviewers allows you to learn through experience which is the best way.
Becoming an Actuary is a demanding and time-consuming commitment but First Actuarial has the supportive framework to allow you to balance work, exams and your free time. I would highly recommend First Actuarial to anyone considering this career.”
Peter Wattle, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP
“Choosing to start my actuarial career at First Actuarial is one of the best decisions I’ve made. As a mid-sized consultancy, it strikes the perfect balance — big enough to offer meaningful and varied projects, yet small enough to foster genuine care and support within a tight-knit actuarial team. From day one, I’ve been immersed in impactful work, making a difference for pension scheme members. I am given real responsibility within projects and comprehensive training to support that, which will ultimately make me a well-rounded actuary. I’d recommend First Actuarial as a great place to work for any aspiring actuary.”
James Milligan, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP
We’re looking for individuals with first-rate numerical skills and a strong academic performance. You should have at least a predicted 2:1 undergraduate degree in any discipline, as well as the following skills:
All graduates are office-based for the first few months, thereafter, for colleagues who prefer homeworking for part of the week, we have hybrid working in place. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.
Our straightforward approach to recruitment which involves role-specific tests as well as interviews and a short presentation, ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.
Should you require information in a different format, have other accessibility or reasonable adjustment requirements, or if you have any problems not listed on this page, please contact HRHelpdesk@firstactuarial.co.uk.
Please note that these roles can’t be offered as fully remote positions and we can’t provide any Visa sponsorship at this time; therefore, we unfortunately can’t consider applicants on Student, Dependant or Graduate visas.
We are recruiting on a rolling basis and encourage early applications. This opening may be closed early should the position be filled.
