Actuarial Analyst Apprentice Review

My role is an actuarial analyst apprentice. This involves being a doer on day-to-day jobs along with helping out on more complex periodic work. Each day is different and there is always new thing to learn and new work to be done. My job allows me to work with people on an informal level, helping personal relationships build as well as work relationship.

As part of the apprenticeship I am currently working towards the Certified Actuarial Analyst (CAA) qualifcation. This is a globally recognised qualification created by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). Along with this, as part of my joining induction, I undertook different training programmes to assist me with my role and my future development. There is always opportunity within my apprenticeship to allow me to develop and gain new skills.

Since joining in September 2015, I have gained many new skils along with new friends. To be able to have a social environment at work means that I can enjoy coming to work each day. I feel very lucky and proud to be able to work for a company the size of Aon. It did not dissapoint and the overall experience that the company can, and already has offered me, means that I am having an amazing experience as part of the apprenticeship programme.

When I initially joined Aon I though that, due to the size of the company, I would be looked down upon and not valued. However, being an apprentice has meant that I have more opportunities than many others within the organisation. I feel that the majority of people value my work and are genuinely interested in my progress and development.

The programme has a very tight structure and it is important to stick to this otherwise you will need to do some catching up. The process is outlined from day one at your induction and it has broadly followed that ever since. There is regular training available, along with support and help where needed. Periodic manager meetings are held to ensure the whole experience is going to plan and that I am meeting all of my development goals. Monthly discussions are held with my apprenticeship mentor along with tutorials during exam season. The apprentciship is definitely well structured and everyone has a specific role to make it work well.

There is always support available when needed and so far, I haven't had a question which hasn't been answered. There are many people within the training and apprenticeship network who are there to turn to whether it be with general exam questions or more complex technical queries.

My employer also provides a huge amount of support. Again there are many people who I can turn to if I have any questions and everyone is more than willing to help out. The employer offers a specific support helpline if there are more personal issues that you face which you do not want to discuss with anyone that you know within the workplace.

The salary provided is very generous for an apprenticeship scheme. Quarterly bonuses are provided along with annual pay reviews. Pay rises are awarded for each exam passed and many work related expenses are paid for by the company. The apprenticeship salary allows me to be financially sound in my current situation and is definitely more beneficial than most other apprenticeships available from different companies.

There are always events outside of work which are advertised to us. There are specific apprenticeship events along with general office socials. The company makes charity and voluntary events available to all colleagues in specific locations and there are always opportunities to meet and network with new people - insdie and outside of work.

Yes

Aon genuinely cares about your development as an apprentice. They constantly make new opportunites available and are continuously trying to grow and expand the company to make it a better place to work than it already is. The social, financial, development and overall career benefits that are offered by Aon will be very hard to match by other companies as a whole package. In my opinion, Aon has to be a company to consider for a consulting, actuarial or insurance apprenticeship.

The application process at Aon is very structured and each step along the way assesses different asepcts of each individial. When completing the initial application and online questions, take your time and make sure you have every answer checked by someone. Each answer is genuinely read thoroughly and a lot can be told about someone based on the standard of answers submitted - spend a couple of weeks on the questions if needed. It is important to remember, specifically in the face-to-face assessment day and interview, make sure you make your voice heard at the right times but definitely don't come across as over-confident. Most importantly though, do not rush a decision for any apprenticeship and take the time in considering what you want out of it - even though Aon probably does have it all to offer anyway!