Consultant Apprentice Review

I am currently a Consulting Apprentice at Aon. This entails supporting the consultants by collating meeting packs and creating meeting documents, billing, scheme returns, some actuarial work, dealing with member queries and compliants, fees amongst many other duties. The role is varied and you study for professional exams alongside your work.

I have developed many of my skills the first being my organisation. I have learnt much more than I anticipated in such a short space of time about the industry (pensions) and how complex the system is. I have also matured a lot since working here as I mix with some very senior people on a daily basis.

The programme is challenging as it is all new and unfamiliar. This is a good thing as it challenges the way you approach different tasks and forces you to think for yourself and use your innovation. It does take a while to get to grips with some industry basics as I am still doing so and will continue to do so for many years. The work life balance is also very good, whilst I do study in my own time I still have plenty of time to do my own thing which is very important. There is always help available with anything you need however it is your responsibility to find it and make use of it.

I am made to feel valued. It is still very early days and I am still in the process of proving myself. It is nice that all people here take a genuine interest in yourself and you're made to feel comfortable at work. I was very surprised hwo accommodating the senior people in the firm are, at first I couldn't tell they were even senior!

The induction was great I got to meet all the apprentices from all different sectors across the country at a fun training location. The training I have received has been useful and you also learn a lot from your buddy who helps you in the office. The studying is down to you and always will be. There is support and training sessions however the exams are your responsibility. The work delegated to you is varied, the more you do the better the jobs get so that is more of an incentive to develop. You could be delegated work from a current apprentice or a partner which is something not all firms can provide.

I have monthly catch up calls with my training provider. However, pretty quickly you leanrn to stand on your own two feet and become relatively independent. The support is only ever a phone call away which is very reassuring if you run into any problems which I am yet to do so!

The employer gives me a lot of support. They pay for my exams and give me study days which are very useful. They always try to facilitate my needs and ensure that I am developing at a good rate! I also receive quarterly bonuses which is another advantage of Aon Hewitt.

The salary is very generous for an apprenticeship. I enjoy spending money so I think it's a personal thing as to how well you manage your money however, I still manage to save plenty each month and don't run out of money. There are also opportunities to be put forward for promotions relatively early on and you receive a pay increase for each exam you pass!

There are plenty of social events the office run such as 5-a-side football. There is also plenty of charity work to get involved in which I am looking to do in the future.

Yes

A great working environment. It's more relaxed than I thought it would be. You will be busy however it is down to you to manage your time and how you complete tasks rather than being a very corporate structure. The people are great and very approachable and I think you could have a great career at Aon as there are plenty of opportunities after your apprenticeship.

Take time to apply don't rush. Be authentic Aon like a personality and a friendly person. Ask questions be inquisitive to show you're interested in what they do. Try and be as outgoing as you can when at the induction always remember everyone is in the same position and I met some really nice people. Embrace new challenges remember it will take you out of your comfort zone but that's what it is designed to do remember they picked you for a reason and you will shine (I'm still in this process). I would have like to have been told more about what is beyond the apprenticeship what I can go into and use my industry knowledge for but again that's down to me to ask the questions at the appropriate time.