Actuarial (Life Insurance) Graduate Programme 2026

Zurich 56 Company Ltd; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

An international insurance company in Swindon is offering a graduate actuarial scheme that provides real-life experience while studying towards professional qualifications. You will work closely with qualified actuaries, gaining both technical and non-technical skills, and receive support in your development. A competitive starting salary of £33,200 and numerous employee benefits are offered including a hybrid work model.

Benefits

£33,200 starting salary

25 days holiday plus volunteering days

Private medical cover

12% company pension contribution

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Strong IT skills; knowledge of Excel is preferable.
• Comfortable with maths and a logical mindset.
• Effective personal planning and organisation.

Responsibilities

• Gaining experience in actuarial work from day one.
• Rotating between teams to understand contributions to customer outcomes.

Skills

Strong IT skills

Effective personal planning

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Minimum 2:1 in a Maths-based subject

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for a career that will excite, challenge and inspire you after you've finished university? If so, a Zurich Insurance graduate scheme could be just what you're looking for. It's a great way to get real-life experience of working in insurance and discover what you enjoy. You'll get plenty of opportunities and support to shape your career and make a difference to our customers at a time when they need us the most.

Each Zurich graduate scheme is a permanent role and is the start of your career with us. We will continue to cheer you on every step of the way and remain committed to helping you grow. Working in insurance is varied—you’ll find many different opportunities to explore.

Location: Swindon

Start Date: September 2026

Closing date for applications: Sunday 26 October 2025

What can I look forward to?

You will be working in an actuarial role from day one, gaining experience alongside a team of actuaries. During your time as an actuarial trainee and newly qualified actuary, you will rotate between teams to gain a broad understanding of actuarial work and how each team contributes to customer protection and outcomes.

During your training you will develop a variety of actuarial skills, such as:

• Analysing data using actuarial software and programming languages
• Projecting financial results (profit and solvency) using expert actuarial judgments
• Communicating results to key stakeholders to inform business decisions
• Continuously improving processes including the use of new technologies such as predictive analytics; and analysing the business’ exposure to risks

To help you pass the exams, we provide a generous allowance of paid study days, up to 52 days a year depending on the exams chosen. You are expected to invest additional time in studying. We cover all financial costs required to qualify, including exam fees, study materials, tutorials, mock exams, professional membership, and required travel.

We run a mentoring scheme to support your early experiences and help structure your exam and revision time. Working with qualified actuaries will give you valuable professional experience, and we encourage questions to deepen understanding.

The Zurich Graduate Scheme also helps you develop non-actuarial skills such as presenting, communicating, influencing others, and career planning to help you become a well-rounded actuary.

Zurich employees enjoy a hybrid working model, combining office and home working. Initially you will be expected to attend the office regularly while you learn about Zurich and your role.

What’s in it for you?

As well as joining a company that is passionate about our people, sustainability and customers, we offer a competitive rewards and lifestyle benefits package. You’ll receive:

• £33,200 starting salary with twice yearly pay reviews following exam results
• 25 days holiday plus an additional 3 volunteering days
• Option to swap UK bank holidays for days off with cultural or religious significance
• Private medical cover
• 12% company pension contribution
• Annual company bonus
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounted gadget and technology offers

What you’ll need

• Although we are a hybrid workforce, you should be within a commutable distance of the Swindon office
• Strong IT skills; knowledge of Excel is preferable (but not essential)
• Comfortable with maths and a logical mindset
• An appetite to learn
• Effective personal planning and organisation
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships
• A professional attitude and a positive approach to your work

Entry Requirements

• You must have recently achieved (within the last three years) or be on track to achieve a minimum 2:1 in a Maths-based subject (e.g. mathematics, statistics, engineering, chemistry or physics) from your bachelor’s degree
• A minimum C/4 grade in both English and Maths at GCSE level (or equivalent)
• At least 128 UCAS points in three A-levels including an A in Maths
• You must have an indefinite, full right to work and reside in the UK; sponsorship is not available. You must have resided in the UK for a minimum of three consecutive years

Other information

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. You’ll have the opportunity to bring your whole self to work, with differences respected and equal opportunity for all.

Notes

Please note: We are unable to progress your application if you do not meet the criteria listed above. Ensure you have the right to reside and work in the UK before you apply, as we are unable to provide sponsorship. You must have resided in the UK for a minimum of three consecutive years to apply.

Benefits

• The financials
  • 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme
  • Annual company bonus
  • Income protection
  • Life cover – four times your salary
• Time away
  • 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays
  • Option to swap UK bank holidays for days off with cultural or religious significance
  • Option to buy up to 20 extra days or sell some holiday
  • Three days paid volunteering
  • Up to 16 weeks' full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Your health is important to us
  • Access to private medical insurance
  • Virtual GP appointments
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Free flu jab
  • Support from wellbeing partners
• We're making a difference
  • Zurich signatory to UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C
  • Zurich Community Trust grants and volunteering valued at over £90 million in the UK