Retirement Services Apprentice Review

by Fidelity International

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

At the moment, every day I am on the phones talking with clients. I currently help them with any issues that they are having with regards to their pension or trust accounts. This can vary from simple issues like online access to more advanced issues that will need more investigation into.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Before I started at Fidelity, I barely knew what a pension was, let alone being able to explain to clients what was wrong with theirs. My skills based around my simple knowledge of a pension has increased massively. Once you know the basic skills, the more advanced skills become easier because you would no have the basic knowledge that is required.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my programme as it involves communicating with new people and meeting new people every day. This may be over the phone speaking to clients or meeting new people day to day in the workplace. I have been able to meet lots of new people in the business thanks to my apprenticeship.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is very well structured as I have set timings for when I am to complete my normal day to day work and then when I have to focus on my apprenticeship write up that is required of me. I do my write up every Tuesday afternoon unless I am doing something else.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my employer- both my day to day manager and my apprentice manager. if I feel that I fall behind with my apprenticeship write up then my day to day manager is very good with allowing me extra time to complete it so I don't feel behind or stressed.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have currently only just on boarded with my training provider. It hasn't been the easiest experience at the moment as there was documents that needed to be completed that I wasn't aware of and so at the moment I haven't been able to book a single exam yet.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I haven't yet completed any qualifications however I am due to take IOC 1, 2 and 3. I know that all managers at Fidelity require these exams to be passed for their position and so I feel that by doing them, it will open me up to various opportunities.

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes there are. There are regular quiz nights held and also launch events which can be used as big networking events. There is also a charity committee which we can be a part of which make donations to local charities. There are also some football teams throughout the company too which you are able to take part in along with regular competitions.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Fidelity International to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I find it an enjoyable place to work and there is always something going on. There are a lot of opportunities within the business and room for progression. There is a great buzz around the environment and it is an easy place to learn new skills. The training is also excellent.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Fidelity International?

- Be confident in what you are talking about - Be flexible - Be approachable and make someone feel like they can talk to you - Be passionate for the area that you're applying for - Research about the market and the company prior to applying to give you some general knowledge that can be improved upon