Pensions Administrator Review

Working in the PPF team to administer pension schemes that are currently in the assessment period. my role involves general communication with members if they have any queries regarding their pension, along with providing early, late and normal retirement quotations. We also communicate with the scheme Trustees to ensure we are administering pensions within PPF guidelines.

I have learned how to calculate benefits at retirement, in addition to auditing previous administrators calculations in relation to benefits at date of leaving, revaluing to date of retirement and calculating pension increases both for benefits and GMP. I have also improved on my formal writing through addressing member queries and corresponding with Trustees.

I really enjoy the programme at Barnett Waddingham, it has been a very welcoming environment with extensive support with my apprentice work. I really enjoy our team outings to celebrate achievements and birthdays in addition to how we work as a team to meet deadlines. I hope to stay after my apprenticeship and have a long term career at Barnett Waddingham.

My programme is extremely organised and structured I have weekly apprentice reviews with my team leader who addresses any concerns or questions regarding my apprenticeship. My apprentice work is also reviewed weekly with guidance on how to improve. I also have monthly meeting with the Apprentice Representative at Barnett Waddingham who checks up on how I am doing and whether I need any additional support.

I have received extensive support from my employer, through my apprentice work which is checked regularly with comments on improvements on how I can improve my work. Regular one to one meetings to let me know how I am progressing in the role and room for improvement. I have also received support in regard to my medical condition with time off for hospital appointments or working from home when needed.

My training provider provides support with my apprentice work through meetings every 4 weeks where we address any concerns or questions regarding my apprenticeship. I also upload my work to Smart Assessor which is a system designed for me to upload work, make comments and also check to see what needs to be submitted prior to the meeting. This work is then marked with comments for improvements.

I believe my qualification through my training provider has allowed me to learn more about pensions on a wider scope. As I work within the PPF team I don't get a lot of hands on experience with schemes such as DC or SIPP. Studying for my APE exams allows me to learn more about these aspects of pensions along with state pension and integration.

There have been multiple extra-curricular activities at work such as going out for meals on lunch, activities to raise money for charity, a office wide quiz night at the last Friday of the month and Christmas/Summer parties. Due to COVID activities have been restricted however their are still activities available within COVID guidelines.

Yes

They have been a very supportive welcoming company who put a lot of time into developing their apprentices for a long term career. They are very involved in the apprentice programme and have multiple points of contact for apprentices to address any concerns. They are also a very diverse and inclusive company who provide support for individuals with medical conditions.

My advice would be to prepare for applying whether that be through the application or through the interview process. It is worth the application and preparation to succeed in a role here. Not only is it a very friendly environment but you will develop so many skills that can benefit you in future roles.