Pension Administrator Review

My role involves communicating with pension scheme members, Trustees and other third parties to ensure the smooth running of a pension scheme. The majority of my day to day role is providing quotations and making payments to the members of the schemes ensuring a high level of customer service is provided.

I have developed a thorough knowledge of pensions through the apprenticeship. I have also developed my written and verbal communication skills due to the role being client and customer facing.

I have enjoyed the programme as I have developed my professional skills and my technical pensions knowledge. Everyone involved with the apprenticeship was happy to help and genuinely wanted you to succeed which created a supportive environment.

The apprenticeship is well organised from Barnett Waddingham's side. You have constant training and always know what stage you are at in the apprenticeship. I found the training provider less organised which slowed down my progress towards the end of the apprenticeship and made it stressful.

Barnett Waddingham were very supportive through the whole process. You were always given plenty time to complete your apprenticeship work and study. You would also have regular check ins with our team leaders, apprenticeship rep and the rest of the apprentice cohort so there was always someone to talk to if you had any issues.

The training providers were generally supportive and I felt that for the first 12 months of my apprenticeship they were very thorough and helpful. As the apprenticeship progressed (and my skills coach changed) I found that it took longer to get responses and get my work reviewed which was frustrating.

The qualification helped improve my technical knowledge and my ability to do my role drastically. I found that after I completed the qualification, I had a detailed understanding of the key areas of pensions which made my work and the customers experience far better.

There are always plenty of activities going on to get involved in. For example, there are always cake sales or fundraisers for charities, football/ netball tournaments and running groups. There are also events at summer and Christmas which allow you to network with people in your office who you may not interact with in your role.

Yes

Barnett Waddingham is an incredibly supportive employer. Even once you have completed your apprenticeship your progress will not stop as they are keen for you to further develop your skills and sit more exams. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with outside of your day to day role which allows you to gain experience in areas you like. The people are all very friendly and approachable and it makes Barnett Waddingham a good place to work.

Be prepared to learn and develop and ensure you make the most of all of the opportunities you are given.