Pension Consultant Review

Scheme Secretary oversee the day-to-day operation of a scheme to help it run effectively. Managing/advising a team of pensions administrators and advisers through different forms of communication. This includes liasing with actuaries, solicitors, auditors, investment consultants and trustees to ensure that actions are progressed in between meetings. Organising trustees' meetings; includes giving notice to the Trustees and preparing the agenda for the meetings and producing the minutes of the trustees' meetings. Included in Trustee meeting's is ensuring the Governance documents are up to date for the quarterly meetings. On a day to day basis i also get involved with project management work.

I have developed project management skills throughout my apprenticeship programme through various large projects I have worked on and my CSR Project at the end of my apprenticeship programme. I have also developed my communications skills which I believe is tangible in any industry. I have also developed technical knowledge in the Pensions Industry through revising for exams and various training courses which allows me to further develop my knowledge through on-the-job training.

I enjoy my programme a lot. As I am on alot of clients I see a large variety of projects and work across my clients which gives me scope to get involved in new work and see new opportunities. By being on a variety of DB and DC clients this allows me to develop knowledge across both streams. I have developed a large amount of responsibility across my clients which makes me feel satisfied when pleasing consultants on my client teams.

The programme is well structured and organised. Outside Aon we have FWD who we regularly consult with if we have any questions on the programme. Then inside Aon we have managers and a structured set-up so if we do have any questions on the appreniceship or work wise we have support from all areas.

The support I recieve from my employer is very good. I have a manager who I have regular catch-ups with to discuss work going on and to answer any questions that I may have. I also have a resource manager who I can speak to should my workload get too high or too low. Whilst working at Aon I have also developed good relationships with senior members of the organisation locally who if I did have any concerns I could always speak to them also.

I recieve a varied amount of support from the training provided. Although I struggle to understand what they offer comparing with my employer. It seems very much the same conversations I have with my employer as I do with my training provider. I similarly have regular monhtly catch-ups to discuss ongoing work etc. but struggle how this varies from my catch-ups with my manager.

I do think my qualification helps me to build further knowledge which I can take into my role, however, I think for me personally I develop more so through on-the-job training rather than the professional qualification. Although having said that the qualification is useful to cement some of my queries and is a useful resource tool for any queries I have.

At work I get involved in many extra-curricular activities. These include football every tuesday which is held at the local sports club where 10 individuals from work play and occasionally go out for a meal with these people. I have also been to many networking drinks following exam passes, partner qualifications and other internal client team meals including externally with the client.

Yes

Aon are very supportive in terms of your development and place high importance into developing those coming through the Company and are always willing to help develop your knowledge and skills. Furthermore Aon is a very flexible and comfortable place to work with a comfortable working environment with friendly individuals who are always more than willing to provide support.

I would advise others when applying for Aon to go for it. One thing I would suggest is for them to argue salary before coming into the Company. I have found it difficult to increase my pay once being in the Company and have found/heard it is easier to challenge the salary prior to joining rather than asking for increases during your time with Aon. Other than this I would provide no further advice.