Client Service Advisor Apprentice Review

My role can often be very supportive to the team, if people have a heavy workload I often pick up some of the more time consuming tasks. I have been able to throw myself in and get involved in various pieces of client work as well which has been challenging at times but has allowed my knowledge of the industry to grow and develop.

I have developed many new skills, my computer ability has defintely improved. My communications skills have also improved, I used to be too scared to pick up the phone or talk to new people but now it has become part of my jobb it is a little easier. I have been able to mature out of the transition from school to this job and be able to adjust to the working life. My ability to ask questions is also a 'skill' I have picked up, I woud before be too scared to ask a question and so would suffer in silence or try and find out myself but in my role if I cannot use my initiative to find a solution I must ask questions due to the responsibility I have in my role

I am really enjoying the apprenticeship so far and the level of responsibility that I am given shows that I am trusted which makes me feel a part of the team. I did wonder if I would regret not going to uni but the experience here is far better and I have effectively felt like I havent missed out on anything. I enjoy the work I get to do it isn't what you'd expect by just doing filing, I get to get involved in the insurance process and with the support from my team members am able to complete similar tasks to what they do in their everyday role.

I think the organisation could be improved, sometimes I may get told things which I wasn't aware of before so I feel communication could be improved. The structure and introduction is very impressive, it is gradual and not a big shock to the system, starting with the 2 week away trip with the fellow apprentices learning about the apprenticeship, how to behave in a job role and the further knowledge for the CII qualification allowed us to meet each other and create a network which we would use further in our role. The bond we made as apprentices over the first two weeks allowed us to support each other when we were intergrating into the office for the first time as we were all in the same situatiuon.

My manager and colleagues around me offer a lot of support and understand that I am new to the business and learning they are always willing to spend time with me to increase my understanding even when they have a busy workload. My colleagues will take things through with me slowly so that I can attempt new things and help them further in the long run. I have weekly meetings with my line manager which allows me to raise any issues and she has always been supportive if I ever had a heavy workload and was aware not to stress me out.

The support from the training provider is also very competent, I have monthly meetings with my coach who will check that everything is ok and is there to support with any issues, even outside of our meetings he has been there to support me. My coach also ensures that I am on track with revision and happy about the upcoming exam as well as the support required to meet the apprenticeship standard. Revision sessions before the exams are also helpful to clear up any queries I may have, but can be difficult as not all people have the same approach to learning as I do.

Often through the qualification I can relate things back to the role and my understanding of what I am doing and why I am doing it develops and the same vice versa. By doing the Certificate in insurance it gives a good base line for my working life and can be helpful when I am unsure of things.

My team do do a lot of events together and often go for drinks socially as well as a team lunch every friday so I feel we have a really good bond which can carry through to the office. At Aon as a whole there are many charity events, quiz nights, video gaming events, bowling that go on to allow the work life to have a social life.

Yes

Aon has been a fantastic step for me where I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at university. I have been able to meet new people, those doing the apprenticeship and those in my team who make working fun! I have been able to learn a skill and get myself effectively three years ahead of where I would be if I went to uni.

One of the hardest parts that I found at the start of the apprenticeship was when my friends had gone off to University and has 'left' me at home but once I had started my apprenticeship I no longer felt like that, I met new people and enjoy socialising with them as well, I am earning money but I still get the social time as well, it isnt the be all and end all.