Pension Administrator Apprentice Review
at Barnett Waddingham LLP
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Finance
Leeds
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Dealing with member requests and queries in respect of their membership in the schemes. Assisting with Trustee/s and financial advisors requests and queries. Updating member records on the database. Providing retirement quotations, pension set ups, death and dependant benefits set ups. Issuing/reissuing payslips, P60s. Setting up invoice payments and assisting in scheme project work such as data audit.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the programme very much. It's well equipped and structured. Work system and equipments of high quality enabling an efficient learning process. The company's culture is very positive and enables you to be truthful and open when it comes to mistakes made at work. Work colleagues a very approachable and work efficiently.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have improved my time management skills with the support of a great task management system used by Barnett Waddingham. This gave me the ability to control my work flow efficiently and meeting deadlines. My writing communication skills have improved.
I have learned how to interpret pension related documents and payroll procedures.
I have learned how to interpret pension related documents and payroll procedures.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Induction was in London so we all got to travel which is nice. BW provides the training that comes with the apprenticeship (Award in Pension Essentials), and provide a varied selection of online courses about what you need to know about the company's policies and procedures as well as their culture. If you need any additional training to assist you to improve your work and knowledge they're happy to look into it. Meeting with mentors happen on a weekly basis. Study time is available to prepare for the exams. We have a buddy and colleagues who a very approachable and happy to support with tasks. There's also great task management system in place which helps you learn to manage your workload.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive great support. In my case I found out I was pregnant within months of joining and my apprentice rep was amazing, made me feel at ease and comfortable and they supported with everything I needed. BW also offers mental health support which has helped me a lot since I joined. BW's intranet is filled with information and guidance so there's a lot of support to varied things and individual may need in the workplace.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider rep is very accessible and happy to support with whatever is needed. I'm currently preparing to do my Functional Skills in Maths and English exams and they've arranged with BW for me to have a tutor for the Maths exam, as well as providing practice papers for me to work on at my own time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
What I am learning on a day-today-basis is what I will be doing once I finish my qualification. All the theory from the qualification is used as background knowledge as well as supporting me when it comes to completing my tasks. I learn everyday a little bit more about the pensions industry.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are always social activities being planned with the teams and offices such as day outs, football games, pub quiz, Christmas party. At the moment we have activities online through video calls.
There's also opportunity to engage in charity work. BW also provides discounts for memberships at gyms, car park.
There's also opportunity to engage in charity work. BW also provides discounts for memberships at gyms, car park.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barnett Waddingham LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BW has a great values and culture. There's great structure in place and you get support when you need. People are friendly and approachable. Work gets done whilst maintaining a good work and lifestyle balance. There's lots of training available, and you have the option to move areas when the opportunity arises.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barnett Waddingham LLP?
Ensure you match the company's values. Be honest and open to learn new things. Be motivated and ready to accept new challenges. Have a think about what you want to do after the apprenticeship program and explore that possibility in the job. Be yourself and use your hard experiences to your advantage, as that is when you learn the most.
