Employee Benefits Administration Apprentice Review

On a daily basis, my role involves the processing and administration of the benefits that are available to Cummins employees who work in the UK. For example, a cycle to work scheme, private medical insurance, financial education to name a few. I also process invoicing for some of the benefits we offer, and provide employees with the relevant information on each benefit

My programme had great structure. It involved me receiving work booklets that covered various topics. For each topic I would receive two booklets, one would cover the theory for that topic, while the other would contain several assignment based/ essay style questions that I needed to complete. I personally found this useful, as I have always found that it is much easier to answers 6-8 shorter questions, then 1 or 2 long answer questions.
I also had to complete a project that I could lead and document the progress on. This had to be either the incorporation of a new process, or the review of an existing process that was completed while on the job. In my day to day role, I process various benefits to Cummins employees. For each of these benefits we have an instruction that explaining how we go about processing each benefit. I based my project on reviewing and where necessary amending these instructions.
The end point assessment part of my apprenticeship was also very well structed. As it consisted of a 50 question multiple choice test, which included question on all of the theory I had learned. The assessment also required me to have a formal discussion. This was split into two parts, one half involved me giving a presentation on my project, and the other involved me being asked various question on the how of my apprenticeship and my project. Each question that I answered had to meet the relevant criteria for my course.

The support I received from my employee was brilliant. I was given access to whatever resources I required to complete my course, e.g. information on different topics or time spent with other departments if I required it. I particular appreciated the time I was given for my leaning. As I was told that my course came first and that if I wanted to I could take two full working days a week to complete my learning, as well as doing any work om this when I had addental free time. Overall My employee went above and beyond what i had expected, when it came to assisting me with the college side of my learning.

I received very beneficial support form my college tutor/ training provider. She always made sure to talk me through each work booklet that I needed to complete, so that I had a thorough understanding of the theory for each topic, before I went to answer the exam questions for that topic.
She also made herself available whenever I needed to contact her to further explain, or clarify any questions I had. For example, when I was working through my project, I had lots of questions about what I needed to include. She also helped my with my presenting skills prior to me having to do my end point assessment presentation. This was very valuable as confidence is something I often struggle with, as a result of me having Autism/ Aspergers.

I feel that my qualification has really benefited me in my day to day role, as often wheat I learned in my course went hand in hand with my on the job role. For example, I learned about structural hierarchy's as one of the topics I had to complete. This impacted me in my role, as it provided me with a greater understanding of where I sit within Cummins compared to the rest of the company.
The project I had to complete as part of my course also benefited my day to day role. As it had to be based on a new or existing process. For this reason I chose to base my project on reviewing the work instruction we have for each of the benefits we provide to employees. This was useful, as it gave me a greater understanding of my day to day role. This was due to the fact that I had to review instructions for some of the benefits I don't usually administer, and I likely wouldn't have been involved with these additional processes otherwise.

Yes

I feel that Cummins is a really diverse and inclusive company. We operate in many different countries al over the world. For this reason we have a broad range of skilled employees, who cover a range of nationalities, races, and beliefs.
I personally think that Cummins is invested in it's employees. For example, I have Autisms and I started out with Cummins three years ago, doing 3 months 1 day a week work experience. This was arranged through Cummins wanting to partner with Daisy Chain (a local Autism related charity).
This work experience was extended for a further three months and then to a full year with me going to full time after 6 months with the company. Cummins showed a vested interest in me, as after my work experience had ended they offered me a 18 month - 2 years, Level 3 apprenticeship. I have completed this qualification, and am currently having a trial period in another Cummins department.