Pension Administrator - Apprentice Review
at Barnett Waddingham LLP
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Finance
LS1
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
4/5
My role involved doing many tasks, such as updating member records or calculating member benefits in many different ways. Doing more admin work such as taking phone calls, email monitoring, cashflows/billing. During the apprenticeship I also had to write assignments and case studies, alongside adding to a learning log to note down everything I'd learnt.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at BW as there was always something to do and opportunities to learn new skills or push yourself to do more. Their was also a lot of events to create a great work culture.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
At the start I knew nothing about pensions and wasn't too developed on systems but I've developed a wealth of pensions knowledge throughout the apprenticeship, as well as maintaining Maths and English skills. Also I've improved skills on computers such as being better at excel and using other software applications more efficiently.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I would say it is very well structured as there was meetings and events regarding the apprenticeship, always planned in advance and you'd always know when you would need to have things ready or prepared for the exams or meetings. There was also a schedule where you could study that you could do at the same time every week which was good to get into a routine of things and not put you off track for the apprenticeship work whilst balancing it with the actual work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
You do receive a lot of support. I feel like everyone has been helpful at BW since I've worked here and you can ask anyone a question and always get an answer or lead to the right direction from any colleague. The employer themselves also do stress the fact that there is always benefits and options available if anyone requires any further help beyond work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider were helpful as they always had meetings with us and told us what we'd need to do to complete everything. They were also open to answering questions about the apprenticeship when needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel like the training provider did help with my role as doing the case studies helped me think more about why things were important when in reality they wouldn't get as much thought. I also feel like they helped me develop more knowledge on pensions as a whole which was very useful, as well as more knowledge on other subjects around the company as a whole, ESG, diversity and inclusion etc.
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
With BW this is a big factor, there are loads of fun events on for everyone. We had whole office vs office football and netball tournaments in the summer. We get free pizza and drinks on payday nights, with quiz nights and board game nights becoming more of a routinely thing every quarter. The culture is great as people always have drinks out together, or go for food at lunch in groups or team meals for certain occasions.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barnett Waddingham LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a very well balanced place to be as there is room to develop skills and have a secure job with opportunity for growth at your own pace. It also has a lot of social activities to suit everyone in the business. There is a great culture in all offices and across everyone in the company and everyone is very helpful and friendly. It also comes with a great overall package with the salary, bonuses, pension contributions, and other benefits you can claim.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barnett Waddingham LLP?
I would say that when applying to try your best to come across as yourself as well as being a good team player.
