Assistant Pensions Technician Review

Item: Assistant Pensions Technician at Cheshire West and Chester Council
Rating: 4.4
Author: Anonymous

at Cheshire West and Chester Council

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Finance

Chester

Review Submitted: March 2022

Overall Rating

4.4 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

Admin related processes such as updating records of members with changes on personal circumstances or employment circumstances, setting up records, processing initial forms sent through via employer, processing incoming post, responding to incoming emails on the pensions inbox, and running calculation based processes such as refund of contributions and deferments.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I am still at the beginning stages of the apprenticeship programme, but so far, I have felt supported in every step of the way. My contact from the Growth company who looks after my case has been lovely, helpful and encouraging, and I believe I am in good hands with her on this journey.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

I have learnt about the different types of pension schemes, but mostly about the Local Government Pension Scheme and the changing scheme types within the Local Government Pension Scheme (from final salary to CARE scheme). I have developed liaison skills, communication skills, time management skills and teamwork.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

As mentioned before, I am still at the beginning stages of the programme. But from the first induction, I was advised of the structure of the programme and everything was presented in a clear way. In addition, I have been provided the opportunity to ask questions for clarification at any point, and has been shown how to use the tools such as smart assessor which is available to me

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

My employers have been very supportive, my line manager especially. I can, and have, asked him questions throughout the process so far, and he makes time in his day to reassure me if necessary and he helps organise my regular tasks and duties to make time for apprenticeship related activities

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

So far, I have not started my training towards any pensions qualifications. This is because there is no current intake for the CIPP qualifications. However, I have been constantly re-assured that the Growth Company will book me in at the earliest opportunity as soon as CIPP is open to new intake.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

4/5

As mentioned before, I have only started my apprenticeship. However, before starting my apprenticeship, I have worked in my current role for just over a year. Even then, just completing the initial tasks set for me in my apprenticeship has allowed me to reflect on my skills and knowledge, and identify my strengths and weaknesses which is already helping me in my role.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

3/5

I started during the coronavirus pandemic, and therefore has been mostly working from home since I started. There are regular virtual meetings and connect sessions however that allows me feel part of the team. Since the easing of the lockdown, there has been a few meet ups and talks of further team away days and activities.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Cheshire West and Chester Council to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The council is a friendly and welcoming place to work in. It is a flexible environment o wrk under, and the council values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment makes it a safe and diverse place to work in. There is a sense that staff wellbeing is given priority.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cheshire West and Chester Council?

Be aware of the different types of worker contracts, especially in the post pandemic period, as your contract may require you to be flexible to work from home or travel across the borough. The council is an inclusive employer that has the core THRIVE values which they will look for in any potential candidate.

View All Company Reviews