2024 Retirement Actuarial Graduate Trainee Consultant Programme, Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland
Job description
September 12, 2023
The Business
With roots dating to 1828, WTW has 46,000 employees serving more than 140 countries.
WTW is the leading provider of retirement consulting and actuarial services to today’s global organisations, providing actuarial services to more of the world’s top 300 pension funds than any other company. In the UK and Europe, we are the undisputed leader, advising 93 of the FTSE 100 companies. We also advise small and mid-sized schemes, with the range of clients providing our colleagues with a broad range of opportunities. Our enviable client list covers a very wide range of companies including household names, financial institutions, and charities.
We partner with clients around the globe to determine the best approaches to pension scheme design, funding, risk management, governance, administration, and communication.
What does the Retirement team do?
The Retirement team works with trustees and sponsors of occupational pension schemes. We advise on both defined contribution (“DC”) and defined benefit (“DB”) schemes: our trainee consultant vacancies are within the DB team. The DB team helps our clients with all aspects of managing a pension scheme, from regular triennial valuation work, to cutting edge risk-reduction and scheme design projects. We often work closely with our colleagues in other teams, such as DC, investment, communications, and administration, to provide joined-up advice to our clients.
We work in partnership with our clients to help them to manage the potentially substantial risks involved with retirement benefit provision and to ensure that their benefits meet the needs of all stakeholders.
The Retirement team is one of the largest recruiters of graduates in WTW’s Health, Wealth, and Career Line of Business. As part of this team, you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the leading figures in the pensions industry and our unequalled client base provides boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation.
At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.
The opportunities and support available
The role of a trainee consultant in the Retirement team provides an enviable balance of technical and communication opportunities. Not only will you be able to work on challenging real-world technical problems which make a meaningful difference to our clients, but you will also get the opportunity to communicate the results of this work, to colleagues and ultimately to clients. You will have the autonomy to organise your own workload and will be strongly encouraged to innovate to make improvements to the way in which work is done and to the services we provide.
Trainee consultants at WTW benefit from all the resources and opportunities that a large company can provide, but this doesn’t come at the cost of individuality. Our award-winning development programme will equip you with the skills you need to progress in your career. During the first few years, the focus will be on technical and consulting skills, and you will follow a structured development programme of blended learning consisting of a mix of classroom sessions, eLearning, webinars, recorded videos, self-study, reading and on–the-job coaching. You will also benefit from access to our career development materials, enabling you to take control of your career from an early stage.
Every member of the team has the opportunity to make a real difference and individuals are recognised for their personal contribution.
The Actuarial Qualification
This Graduate Programme, which is supported by the Level 7 Actuary Apprenticeship where applicable, is a 36-month programme where you will be provided with on-the-job training and will be fully supported by WTW and our official government approved training provider throughout the duration of the programme.
Trainee consultants in the Retirement team study to become Fellows of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. WTW will support you through the actuarial exams with a study mentor and a complete and flexible study support package that includes:
- Membership fees of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
- Study materials for each exam such as course notes, sample questions, past paper questions, mock exams, and revision notes
- Tutorials for each exam
- Exam entry fees and a re-sit attempt if required
- Study leave roughly equal to one day per week
You will also have the support of a large body of students and qualified actuaries, who can share their experiences of studying for the exams. Trainee Consultants receive salary increases for each exam passed in addition to increases that are awarded as part of their annual salary review.
At WTW we value diversity and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment, enriched by our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work and live. Irrespective of which office you join, you will be part of the wider WTW community and will be able to contribute to our fundraising and community activities, as well as our sporting and social groups. We operate a hybrid working environment (i.e. a mixture of working in the office and at home). In order to get the most out of working at WTW and to help with your own development, you will be expected to come into the office at least 3 days each week. In addition to scheduled in-office training and meetings about projects and client work, this will give you the opportunity to learn from your more experienced colleagues, as well as getting to know your fellow new GB joiners.
Requirements
2:1 degree in a numerate discipline OR
2:1 degree in a non-numerate discipline plus A-Level Maths at grade A/B (or equivalent qualifications)
The Application Process
Stage 1: Online application, including CV
Stage 2: Invitation to complete online assessment and a video interview – in partnership with the Bright Network, we have created an academy module on ‘How to Ace your Video Interview’. Click here to sign up and watch it!
Stage 3: Virtual Assessment centre – this is an opportunity for you to meet with members of the team and for the team to understand your strengths, preferences, and motivations. The assessment will take place virtually, and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions.
Stage 4: Offer and office visit – you will be invited to your local office to meet some of your future colleagues.
Stage 5: On-boarding
Start date for the UK Graduate Programme will be the beginning of September 2024.
WTW is an equal opportunity employer
WTW believes that effectively managing a diverse workforce is vital to our business strategy. We have an obligation to our organisation, ourselves, and our clients to hire and develop the best people we can find. We will continually review our policies and practices to ensure that all areas of the employment process (including recruiting, hiring, work assignments, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, company-sponsored development programs and overall workplace experience) are free from discriminatory practices. We are committed to equal employment opportunities at WTW.
Why work at WTW?
WTW offers a variety of benefits to support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing, as well as help you develop in your career, and balance your life inside and outside of work. Among other things, these include WTW Work Flex, shared parental leave, a range of Learning and Development opportunities and a competitive pay and benefits package (which includes private medical insurance and life insurance).
WTW Work Flex
At WTW, we see things differently. We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and so we have a variety of different working arrangements which we call “WTW Work Flex”. We encourage colleagues and candidates to make requests for the types of flexible working arrangements that suit them. Visit our career site for more information: https://careers.wtwco.com/wtw-work-flex/
Recruiting tips
WTW specializes in preparing for the unknown. Here’s how to get ready for the big day: https://careers.wtwco.com/hints-and-tips/
