Pensions Administrator
The pensions administrator is found in organisations of all shapes and sizes that operate or oversee pension schemes or plans.
The broad purpose of the pensions administrator is to provide support when selecting and running pension schemes or plans.
Pensions administrators play a critical role in managing the day-to-day operation of pension schemes or plans. They are likely to be involved in a variety of tasks supporting more senior administrators.
This apprenticeship can be started at any time, please contact us for further information.
This apprenticeship covers the Workplace Administrator Standard plus industry professional qualifications relevant to the role. The Growth Company are accredited to deliver the Award in Pension Essentials and will also deliver this as part of the apprentices learning journey.
The course focuses on building the apprentices knowledge in key areas of the pension scheme structure, compliance and commercial awareness along with the communication, development skills and behaviours that underpin their role in the industry.
Further information can be found here.
This is a work-based apprenticeship. Apprentices will benefit from 1-2-1 support on a regular basis in order to achieve competence as set against the knowledge, skills and behaviours set down in the apprenticeship standard.
On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a Level 3 Professional Pension qualification that is relevant to your role in the industry.
Completion of the apprenticeship standard will allow your employees to apply for professional membership of one of the three Professional Bodies, this will depend on the qualifications and units they have completed.
Applicants must hold a minimum of Level 2 in maths and English or equivalent. Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.
There is no fee for the learner. For information on costs to the employer, please contact us.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
We will tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 12 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- merit
- distinction
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) checks and confirms that the apprentice has met any requirements required before they start the EPA. They will only enter the gateway when their employer says they are ready.
The gateway requirements for the EPA are:
- achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
- for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, they must submit a portfolio of evidence
Multiple-choice test
Apprentices will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be open book, meaning they can have access to some books or reference materials.
Apprentices may bring with them pens, pencils, erasers, and a scientific or accountancy calculator. Calculators must not emit audible tones or function as any other digital device. Apprentices must not have access to the internet for the duration of the assessment. This includes any potential technological, web-enabled sources of information such as, but not limited to, iPods, mobile phones, MP3/4 players, smart watches which have a data storage device.
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. They will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Apprentices will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of their occupation. They need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. Apprentices can use it to help answer the questions.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
Typical job roles include:
- Finance Worker
- Pensions Administrator
- Workplace Pensions Administrator
