Take two apprentices – Amy Atherton and Katie Mosley discuss their apprenticeships at First Actuarial
7 February 2024
At First Actuarial, we were quick to see the value of apprenticeships across the firm. Here, we talk to two of our apprentices about their experiences. Amy Atherton is a Level 3 HR Support Apprentice. And Katie Mosley is a Level 3 Workplace Pensions Administration Apprentice.
Meet Amy Atherton, Level 3 HR Support Apprentice
Amy, why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I’ve always been interested in HR. But it’s hard for young people like me to get a job without a relevant qualification or industry experience. Choosing an apprenticeship seemed like the best way to kick-start my career in HR.
The apprenticeship provides hands-on learning, along with the opportunity to gain practical and knowledgeable skills. I’m building a strong foundation for my career in HR with the valuable experience I’m getting.
What do you love most about your apprenticeship?
One of the many things I love about my apprenticeship is that I work alongside other professionals in my field and learn directly from them. They’re all willing to share knowledge, skills and best practices with me. And that’s really helping me with the study side of my apprenticeship, which combines theory with learning on the job.
It’s also great to bring the knowledge and skills that I’ve developed through the apprenticeship to my team at First Actuarial. This gives me the sense of strengthening the HR team and creating a better service for everyone, while developing my own understanding.
What do you feel are the main challenges of doing an apprenticeship?
Although an apprenticeship is a great opportunity, it does come with challenges. During busy periods at work, it can be hard to juggle the requirements of the role with the demanding assignments that form part of the apprenticeship. However, I get a set number of hours per week for study time, and this reduces the stress and helps me get the work done with minimal disruption.
Another challenge I’ve faced is that this is the first time I have ever been ‘virtually’ taught. At the beginning, I did find it hard to not have face-to-face interactions with my tutors, However, I’ve found that I’ve adapted over time and overcome any difficulties by having regular one-to-one catch-ups with tutors. I now find it a very efficient way to learn while working full time and taking care of my own wellbeing and personal life.
How have First Actuarial supported you on your apprenticeship journey so far?
First Actuarial have been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship. They’ve given me the time needed to focus on my apprenticeship, and we have regular check-ins to see if I need any further support with my studies. First Actuarial have also been happy to help with research for my assignments, which relieves the pressure.
I would highly recommend any young person to apply for an apprenticeship at First Actuarial. It’s a fantastic way to kick-start your career!
Meet Katie Mosley, Level 3 Workplace Pensions Administrator Apprentice
Katie, why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I was new to the pensions industry and only had a bit of knowledge, but I was eager to learn more and the apprenticeship scheme looked the perfect way to do that.
What do you love most about your apprenticeship?
I love learning how to grow within my role and expand my knowledge of pensions. The support I receive allows me to focus on my learning while giving me the time I need for my day-to-day work.
What do you feel are the main challenges of doing an apprenticeship?
Balancing my day-to-day workload with the apprenticeship is definitely the biggest challenge. It can be hard to find the right balance, but the support I get from First Actuarial has given me enough time to complete my apprenticeship work.
How have First Actuarial supported you on your apprenticeship journey so far?
First Actuarial have been extremely supportive. They’ve allowed me to block out time for my apprenticeship work and meetings with my apprenticeship tutor.
I have regular catch-ups with my work manager, who supports me with any queries and concerns, and gives me guidance on my apprenticeship work where possible. There’ve been times when I’ve had a lot going on with my day-to-day workload, but my manager has delegated some of this work to others so I can focus on my apprenticeship. I really appreciate that.