▷ About First Actuarial

First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. Two decades later, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary with events at all our five offices. It’s a great time to be part of First Actuarial. Following last year’s 20% revenue increase, our strong growth path has continued into this year, and we now employ around 450 people in the UK

We’re still an independent business with no chargeable hours targets, giving our people the time to deliver their best work and excel. We shape our high-quality services by listening closely to our clients’ needs. And we price those services fairly.

As we develop our business, prospects for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough and Tonbridge offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback, so we all learn and improve.

We love numbers, but we love people more. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance have always been core values. Beyond the firm, we’re known for our integrity. We’re happy to challenge conventional thinking and speak up. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.

▷ The role

We're looking for several apprentices to join our Manchester or Tonbridge offices as soon as possible and no later than April 2024.

As a Level 4 Actuarial Technician, you’ll be supporting our actuarial team and its clients. During the apprenticeship, you’ll receive a competitive salary – rather than the apprenticeship minimum wage.

Due to our rapid growth, we are now a medium-sized business. But in many ways we still act like a small company. And that will make it easier for you to settle in and get support from the team you’ll join on day one. As well as learning from people around you, you’ll also have your own study mentor here at First Actuarial.

The apprenticeship lasts 27 months, but this is not a fixed contract. At the end of the apprenticeship we’d expect you to take a long-term role.

▷ What do actuaries do? 

Actuaries use numeracy skills to help trustees and employers manage their pension schemes. We help make sure that schemes have enough money to pay their pensioners. Factors like new legislation and rising inflation can make that tricky. Part of our job is to manage the risks involved.

▷ What will I be doing on a day-to-day basis?

As a Level 4 Actuarial Technician, you’ll be based in one of our offices, with possible client visits.

You’ll be working on real-world projects straight away. For example, we may ask you to assess the value of a pension scheme benefit. 

Your working day will combine real-world experience like this with the academic content of the Level 4 Apprenticeship.

▷ What will I learn?

Although this is not a degree-level apprenticeship, it will give you a solid grounding in key skills, helping you learn how to:

• Prepare and check data
• Use spreadsheets and models to perform calculations and populate reports
• Provide technical support and carry out IT systems development and testing
• Study for professional exams
• Develop an understanding of hot topics affecting the industry. 

▷ Is this apprenticeship right for me?

You’ll need a good head for numbers, with a minimum of a grade B at A level in maths, along with the following skills:

• Sound communication and relationship-building skills
• Strength of character – A can-do approach to problem-solving
• Self-discipline – The drive to combine full-time work and study.
• Problem-solving – An agile mind able to consider challenges from different angles. 

▷ Testimonial

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after leaving education, but starting my career in pensions at First Actuarial was one of the best choices I could have made. I knew very little about pensions at the start, but they gave me in-depth on-the-job training throughout the apprenticeship programme. Even in my first year, I got lots of opportunities and responsibility – I’ve learned a lot. I’d recommend First Actuarial to anyone wanting to make the best possible start to their professional career.”

Katie Mosley, Apprentice

▷ What we offer you

We’ll actively support you as you build your career – and reward you for doing so. As a living working wage employer, you will receive a competitive starting salary as well as

• A competitive remuneration package, including bonus and profit-sharing payments
• Private health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance
• 25 days annual leave as standard, increasing with length of service, an extra day at Christmas, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays
• A non-contributory pension
• Full training and study support.

All apprentices are office-based during their probationary period, thereafter, for colleagues who prefer homeworking for part of the week, we have hybrid working in place. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.

Our straightforward approach to recruitment which involves role-specific tests as well as interviews and a short presentation, ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please apply with a cover letter and CV.