Pension Administration Apprentice Review

I administrate various Pension Schemes, with various tasks such as taking Calls from members, updating their records, calculating retirement benefits and general administrative tasks such as logging post, sending post etc.

I have not only gained a deep insight into Retirement provisions and how they operate, I also have improved various soft skills such as customer care over the phones, email etiquette etc.

I enjoy the programme thoroughly, BW make sure you are being progressed at your own pace and everyone is always willing to help you if you are unsure on how to do something. I enjoy my daily tasks as they allow me to have contact with both my colleagues and members of the scheme. The learning side of the apprenticeship is also great as it ties in very well to your job, which makes it a lot easier to learn and remember.

The Learning provider works very closely with your team leader, to make sure you are getting the correct support and study time. Tasks are assigned to you with your workload and apprenticeship work in mind which is a great relief when it comes closer to your exams. You are given half day per week study time which is plenty and can supplement outside of work exam revision.

Your managers and the HR team will link in with you regularly to check in with you and make sure they understand how you are feeling, how you are progressing and if you require any support. You also will be given a Buddy when you join which is great as they are usually similar aged to you, and are great to reach out to when you may be struggling with certain tasks.

You have catchup calls around every month with your training provider, to ensure you are up to date and to check how your revision/learning is going. The provider, the Growth Company, are always very enthusiastic and welcoming and I feel well supported by them.

The examinations you sit here, directly link in with your day-to-day role. As aforementioned, this is really helpful when it comes to trying to learn and remember the content as you will have had first hand experience with the "theory" you have learned. The exams are set up in a way that the knowledge you gain from it can make you are more well rounded Pension Administrator.

Sadly, due to COVID extra-curricular activities have been paused, to no fault of the company. They plan to restart these in the near future, including various sports teams during lunches/weekends, Christmas parties each year, opportunities to Volunteer one day per calendar year, and regular charity fundraisers in each office.

Yes

I have felt so welcomed since joining Barnett Waddingham. They have put all the right procedures in place to make sure I'm developing as a Professional in the Pensions Industry and is a great company that you feel proud to work for.

Make sure the role is right for you, do as much research as possible before interviews and ask as many questions as possible. Don't be too concerned with the daunting idea of working and studying, BW make sure you have a great balance between the two.