Actuarial Technician Review

My role at Willis Towers Watson is based in Human Capital and Benefits (Retirement). Initially, my sole role was calculating individual calculations for members of defined benefit pension schemes. However as my length of time and experience with Willis Towers Watson has progressed I find myself getting involved with other tasks such as valuations, accounting projects and many pieces ad hoc work which really boosts my knowledge within the pension sector.

I have learnt huge amounts for being an Apprentice at Willis Towers Watson. My skills have developed massively - ranging from anything between computer to interpersonal skills. My excel knowledge and use of highly statistical programs has allowed my technical skillset to be pushed and really improve. The endless opportunities at WTW (as well as social events) has really boosted my confidence - enabling my interpersonal skills develop,

I thoroughly enjoy my Apprenticeship programme. I believe it is the best of both worlds. It is challenging but I can see the positive outcomes. Also I feel very much ahead of the game as my career and study is growing at the same time. I have made very good friends on my programme as well as learning from a strong community of people who work at Willis Towers Watson.

The structure and organization of my programme is brilliant. I have regular meetings, phone calls and catch ups with all colleagues directly involved with the programme - i.e. my manager, line manager and skills coach. I have an allocated Skills Coach from BPP who gives really strong support, as well as constantly monitoring my study and coursework progress. In addition, I have fixed tutorial days which is held by a tutor from BPP - which are key to sitting the CAA exams under my apprenticeship.

I receive a lot of support at Willis Towers Watson - both under the apprenticeship and in general work life. My managers have given endless support to me and it feels as though the colleagues I work with generally care about helping out Apprentices and always take time to thoroughly explain things so we learn. Flexible working is good and managers really understand the needs of an Apprentice.

BPP is a brilliant training provider. They hold regular online tutorial days to cover all the content for the qualification you are sitting. In addition, contact details for the same tutor on the tutorial are provided, where is it acceptable (and encouraged!) to follow up with her with any queries/ information surrounding the content or even just qualification related questions. The online VLE to use for study is faultless. BPP also set study targets for each month which they always monitor and follow up with.

I strongly believe my qualification links directly to my performance within my job role as much of the content is related to the mathematics we need to use on a daily basis. The Actuarial field is complex with many topics to understand, therefore the CAA Global qualification we study for under BPP is highly beneficial as it enables you to thoroughly understand many of the topics we encounter regularly.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved at Willis Towers Watson. There are opportunities to get involved with sports such as Football, Cricket and Badminton. There are always social events, for example there is always a big summer social and Christmas party, as well as general social events throughout the year (i.e. grad socials, promotion drinks, exam drinks etc)

Yes

I would recommend Willis Towers Watson to a friend due to the atmosphere and culture of the company. It is friendly environment with a diverse mixture of colleagues at different levels and experience to learn from. There are endless opportunities if you work hard and there are always ongoing social events to get involved with.

I would strongly recommend people to apply to Willis Towers Watson as it is a highly reputational company with a strong support network and opportunity for its employees. I would suggest showing your social side and not being afraid to ask any questions surrounding the company during the interview. I would also recommend showing a keen spirit to learn at Willis Towers Watson.