Client Management Apprentice Review

My role involves the day to day running of pension schemes. I act as part of a client team who are the secretaries to the Trustees of pension schemes. My day to day tasks can include things such as liaising with other departments within Aon, liaising with other businesses that act as advisers for the pension schemes, completing reports and papers that need to be provided for the meeting packs, billing and fee work and so much more. The tasks are rarely exactly the same and often provide me responsibility from start to finish before being reviewed by peers.

Since starting at Aon I have seen a vast increase in my communication skills. We have monthly office development forums which are an open space to learn about pensions and the industry but they also allow you to increase skills such as communication by giving you the opportunity to present on different topics. Completing the apprenticeship gains you a qualification with the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) and sets you up to continue for a diploma with the PMI. It is a great place to start your professional career and the environment at Aon is one that puts your development first.

I find the programme extremally enjoyable. No two days are the same. The job role in itself is very interesting and the environment in which you work is one that allows you thrive with development and therefore I don't think there is much that can't be enjoyed. All colleagues support each other and support from people who are 'higher' in the business is so common which makes you feel more involved.

The programme is very well structured and allows me to complete my job role whilst my learning is not affected. Aon allows for 5 study days for each exam which means you are able to take time away from work to really focus on your study and prep. my apprenticeship coach is pretty easy to get a hold of if there is anything that I need and is always very informative on what needs to be done next. Tasks are delegated very well within the business and everyone is very happy for you to have a go at any task soo that you can develop your skillset further.

Aon is very helpful in regards to my apprenticeship. My line manager is always happy to chat about how everything is going and sets up informal catch ups to ensure that everything is going well. Colleagues who have been through the programme are always happy to chat and answer any questions that you may have. Aon sets up events for all of the apprentices that join the business and this helps to keep you all connected.

Davies learning have assigned me an apprenticeship coach who organises monthly meetings to track my progress and ensure that I am aware of all the upcoming work that is required. She is easy to contact if I ever need any help and always provides the materials needed to complete any upcoming work.

My apprenticeship is crucial for the role as it has sped up my learning about the pensions industry and therefore it has allowed me to complete my role to a higher standard. Without the apprenticeship I feel that my pensions knowledge would not be at the same level. The apprenticeship also teaches you different transferable skills that help your day to day role.

Our office organises monthly social events as well as organising office food events such as breakfast or lunch. The office socials can be a vast range of events and are very enjoyable. We had a Christmas party/dinner organised however it was taken away by the covid restrictions. These events allow you to get to know your colleagues.

Yes

Since starting at Aon I have enjoyed everyday and really feel that I am progressing in the role thanks to the support that I am given by my colleagues. The work is very interesting and challenges me which means it is rarely tedious. My line manager is very supportive and is always on hand to help which makes the job that bit more enjoyable as well.

It is very cliche however I would say that you should be yourself and show how committed to the application process you are. You should do you research on the company and industry and then really show that you have done the research and are well prepared for the application and interviews. On the assessment centre you should try to put yourself forward for responsibilities to prove that you are willing to challenge yourself.