Brightwell invests in future talent with largest-ever pensions academy cohort
Brightwell has welcomed its largest-ever intake to the Brightwell Pensions Academy, with 27 new trainees joining the business this week as the company continues to invest in developing the next generation of pensions professionals.
The new recruits will begin a structured 9-to-12-month training programme at Brightwell’s Chesterfield administration hub, combining classroom-based learning, technical pensions training and practical workplace experience. On completion, participants will graduate as qualified pensions administrators, equipped with the skills needed to support Brightwell’s clients.
Launched in 2022, the Brightwell Pensions Academy was created to address a growing skills shortage across the pensions industry by providing an alternative route into the profession for people with little or no prior pensions experience. Since its launch, the Academy has recruited c.150 colleagues into the academy, with a 90% retention rate. Of those that have joined, nearly half have been aged between 18 and 24.
Simon Langworthy, Chief Administration Officer, Brightwell said: “Welcoming 27 new colleagues to the Brightwell Pensions Academy is a significant milestone and reflects both the growth of our business and the importance of nurturing a pipeline of talent within the pensions industry.
“Through the Academy, we’re opening the door to rewarding careers for people from all backgrounds while building the expertise our clients and their members and policyholders depend on.
“We are particularly proud of the impact the Academy is having in Chesterfield, creating high-quality jobs, supporting social mobility and helping people build long-term careers in a growing and resilient sector.”
Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Staveley said: “It is fantastic to see so many new trainees starting their careers in Chesterfield. The Brightwell Pensions Academy is giving people the chance to gain valuable skills and build rewarding, long-term careers, while helping to develop the skilled workforce that local businesses and our wider economy need.
“Brightwell is also giving young people the opportunity to get started in a professional career without needing previous experience in the pensions industry. This kind of investment in skills and social mobility is exactly what we should be encouraging, and I look forward to seeing the Academy continue to grow.”
The Academy’s success has already been recognised through industry awards and has become a cornerstone of Brightwell’s approach to talent development. Graduates have gone on to progress into senior pensions administrations and other roles across the business, helping to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled pensions professionals. You can hear more about the Brightwell Pensions Academy in the latest episode of Pensions Unpacked featuring Fay Knight, Head of Service Operations, Brightwell, Lottie Burdon, Senior Pensions Administrator and graduate from the Brightwell Pensions Academy and Girish Menezes, President, Pensions Management Institute. Listen here: Pensions Unpacked Podcast :: Brightwell
Published:
24 / 09 / 2026
