AI & Automation Higher Apprenticeship 2026 - MarketAxess

MarketAxess – a leading electronic trading platform in the US, European, and Asian markets – is hiring for a UK-based AI & Automation Apprentice to join the team.

About the role

You will work across Relationship and Product Management, helping to collate, validate, and present information in a way that enables decision-making and continuous improvement. You will be involved in mapping workflows, blending data from multiple sources and formats, and maintaining a Post Trade knowledge base and process documentation. Where appropriate, you will help build and maintain simple automation, reports, and dashboards (e.g., in Excel and Power BI) to reduce manual effort and improve visibility.

This apprenticeship role is an excellent opportunity for an early-career candidate who is excited to leverage AI to build practical skills in data, process improvement, and automation within a Post Trade environment. The role is designed to build practical, work‑ready skills in automation, low‑code solutions, responsible AI usage, and change adoption by helping gather, structure, and analyse information, and by identifying opportunities to streamline recurring work through automation for the team’s Relationship Managers (RMs) and Product Managers (PMs).

You’ll be supported through coaching, feedback, and hands-on assignments that help you grow core skills across data analysis, documentation, stakeholder communication, and responsible use of AI and automation tools. This is a learning-focused position with clear development goals, while still contributing meaningfully to business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Identify where AI and automation can safely improve workflows, using low‑code / no‑code tools to build and support automated processes, with the ability to learn new technical skills (Python, SQL, AWS architecture)
• Apply AI responsibly, considering data privacy, controls, and ethical use and integrate AI outputs into real business processes rather than isolated analysis
• Maintain the Post Trade process maps, and documentation; keep information current and version-controlled where applicable
• Build and maintain dashboards and reports to track agreed KPIs and highlight trends, exceptions, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide team support such as scheduling meetings, capturing actions, and maintaining shared trackers and documentation

What we’re looking for

• A genuine interest in AI, automation, and improving how work gets done
• Curiosity about processes and a mindset of “there must be a better way”
• Comfort working with detail‑oriented tasks such as spreadsheets, trackers, and documentation
• Strong logical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Some exposure to data or coding (e.g., Excel formulas, SQL, Python) is helpful but not required
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• A growth mindset: open to feedback, eager to improve, and comfortable not having all the answers on day one
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; able to tailor your message to different audiences
• Interest in financial technology and how Post Trade products serve our clients

Entry requirements

• Level 3 Qualification (Apprenticeship/A Levels/BTEC etc.) OR equivalent work experience (typically 2 years in a relevant role)
• 5 x GCSE’s including English & Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above
• You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme
• International equivalents accepted, provided you can show a comparison to UK qualifications through an official document at time of application

Working hours

• 37.5 hours per week

Benefits

• Central location: based at city offices near St Paul's
• Free food: lunch each day in office, breakfast cereals, snacks, drinks
• 25 days annual leave plus 2 charity days
• Bonus holiday after each 5 years of service
• Private medical for family, cash plan, health screenings, dental cover, 6X life assurance, critical illness, income protection, pension, car leasing, wellness stipend, interest-free season ticket loan, 'Share Incentive' plan
• Tuition assistance and professional training: on-demand learning, boot camps, conference opportunities
• Employees work in the office 4 days a week (flexible on function)

Future prospects

• 90% of QA apprentices secure permanent employment after completing (20% higher than national average)

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.