Pension Admin Review

In Barnett-Waddingham, my role is a pension admin. This means that I keep member's records updated and fulfil their needs. For example, on a day-to-day basis I will send a member an expression of wishes form if they request for one. I will send them a retirement quotation if they are coming up to their retirement date. The Growth Company also gives us support and makes sure that we are happy in our working environment. We also take exams, I am taking my APE at the moment ( Award in Pension Essential Exams). This will benefit me as it improves my knowledge of pensions and it also awards me with an extra qualification. I am also provided with amazing support from my mentor and I am given extra revision time if I am struggling with time management.

I have learnt many new skills as well as developed existing skills. For example, my confidence and independent skills has developed massively since I have started my apprenticeship at Barnett Waddingham. I have helped out at a careers fair where I spoke to pupils at Ashton Park School and their parents about my journey so far which helped my confidence grow. I also go up to London and book my train tickets which allows me to develop my independent skills further. I am now confident to independently do tasks given to me but I know I can ask for help if I need it. My skills on maths has developed too because I am learning new calculations such as how to work a calculation in a defined benefits scheme. My English skills has also developed as I am recognising the type of language to use in formal letters to members on a daily basis. I am also learning new skills in pensions, as I did not know that a pension admin role varied so much and I had a little understanding on what was involved in working with pensions.

I really enjoy my programme and I am happy working at Barnett Waddingham. I feel very lucky to be given the chance to experience working a professional and friendly company. I am also very confident that my knowledge will progress as my programme continues. I am so comfortable with the role I am in which makes me enjoy the programme even more.

I believe that my programme is very organised and structured. I am given work when I need it, the tasks I am given fits into what I get trained on. I am never given tasks on something which I have not been trained on. My exams are well structed. For example, the times of my study leave that I am given is very organised because it is enough time to properly prepare myself and to revise all the information I need to pass my exams. I am also never overloaded with work and I have time to complete all my tasks as well as study.

I received great support from my employer. If I feel like I have too little understanding of a task then I know my employer will help me organise to have training on this. My employer always asks me if I am happy and I have 1-to-1 meetings with them every few weeks to make sure I am happy in my work position and to make sure that I am not falling behind in my apprenticeship programme. I am also involved in all the team meetings even if it may not be relevant to me at this time. I think this is a great idea as it shows that my employer does not want to leave me out of any group discussions taking place.

I receive an excellent amount of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. My mentor covers all areas of the units and answers every question as clear as they can. They also provide me with clear information sheets about topics in the units. For example, I had questions on when a member transfers-out of a scheme and my mentor bullet pointed the vital things to know about this as well as explained it to me verbally.

I feel very confident that my qualification through my training provider helps me to perform better in my role. I think this because by them answering my questions I am able to recognise that the information being provided to me links to the tasks I come across on a daily-basis. It helps me to understand the systems I use better too.

There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. Such as, football teams, netball teams and going for runs. There are also many social events in the work place as well as meeting up for drinks at a local pub after work and Christmas parties and meals. I feel very welcomed to take part in these activities.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Barnett Waddingham to a friend because not only is it a successful company where you can keep achieving new qualifications. But, they really care about your well-being and my employer always wants me to keep on succeeding further in my apprenticeship programme. Not just that, everyone on my team are very friendly and they will always help me if I do not understand something.

The tips that I would give to others applying to Barnett Waddingham is to be very confident. Also, not to worry about the interview because the layout of the interview is very welcoming and chilled. My advice is to be as honest as you can and to make as much effort in asking them questions, as they do with you. I would also read about the company so you have back ground information of Barnett Waddingham.