The Growth Company, an accredited partner of the Pensions Management Institute (PMI)

The Growth Company is proud to be an accredited partner and examination centre for the Pensions Management Institute (PMI), enabling us to deliver the Level 2 Award in Pensions Essentials.

This technical qualification is embedded within our Level 3 Pensions Administrator Apprenticeship, strengthening the programme by providing apprentices with a recognised industry qualification alongside their apprenticeship training.

As the largest provider of the Level 3 Pensions Administrator Apprenticeship in England, we are committed to continually enhancing the quality, relevance and value of our provision, both for employers and apprentices.

Adding technical expertise to the apprenticeship standard

When the Pensions Administrator Apprenticeship was revised, the mandatory technical qualification element was removed. While a range of qualifications were considered, no single option was agreed upon, meaning the apprenticeship standard no longer required a technical certificate.

At the Growth Company, we took the view that apprentices and employers would still benefit from a formal technical qualification. As a result, we made the decision to embed the PMI Level 2 Award in Pensions Essentials into our apprenticeship delivery.

Although the qualification is Level 2, it covers a significant proportion of the knowledge requirements within the Level 3 apprenticeship, providing apprentices with a strong technical foundation early in their careers.

Accredited delivery at no extra cost to employers

By becoming an accredited PMI provider, the Growth Company can now deliver the Award in Pensions Essentials directly, including:

• Registration with the PMI
• Structured tutorials and revision sessions
• Exam booking and administration
• Ongoing tutor support throughout the programme

For apprentices on the Level 3 Pensions Administrator Apprenticeship, this qualification is delivered at no additional cost, funded as part of the apprenticeship programme this offers a clear advantage for employers.

Flexible delivery for employers of all sizes

Our accreditation allows us to support a wide range of employers:

• Large organisations can embed the qualification into their apprenticeship programmes without needing to deliver it internally
• Local authorities and councils can access PMI-accredited delivery without the cost or complexity of setting it up themselves
• Employers with experienced staff can access the Award in Pensions Essentials as a standalone, commercially delivered qualification, where the Level 3 apprenticeship may not be suitable

The qualification consists of five units, delivered through monthly tutorials and revision sessions, enabling learners to complete it within approximately five months. All delivery is virtual, workplace-based and completed during working hours, ensuring learners receive structured support rather than being left to self-study.

A clear differentiator for employers

This accreditation is a significant differentiator for the Growth Company. We are one of the few providers able to offer a technical pensions qualification embedded within an apprenticeship standard that does not require one, adding tangible value for employers and learners alike.

It reflects our ongoing commitment to high-quality, employer-led training that goes beyond minimum requirements, supporting apprentices to build confidence, capability and recognised industry knowledge from day one.