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.

Actuarial Technician Apprenticeship

For 2024, we have level 4 Actuarial Technician apprenticeship openings in Manchester and Tonbridge, with other locations to follow.

All our apprentices are welcomed into a stimulating work environment, working with professionals from diverse backgrounds in friendly and close-knit teams.

What do actuaries do?

Actuaries use mathematical and communication skills to help pension scheme trustees and employers understand and manage the risks in their pension schemes. We grapple with huge uncertainties like inflation and changes in life expectancy, both of which are hugely important when running a pension scheme.

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

Although it sounds like a cliché, no two days will be the same. As an actuarial apprentice, you‘ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit – on actuarial calculations, models and client communications.

Testimonials

“I really enjoy working at First Actuarial and think it’s a great place to work. My colleagues are constantly supportive as I continue learning and studying for actuarial exams. I have already been given great opportunities and responsibilities in my first year here that have allowed me to learn about a vast range of work. As a recent graduate myself, I would recommend First Actuarial as a great place to start your professional development journey.”

Katie Morgan, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP

“Choosing to start my actuarial career at First Actuarial is one of the best decisions I’ve made. As a mid-sized consultancy, it strikes the perfect balance — big enough to offer meaningful and varied projects, yet small enough to foster genuine care and support within a tight-knit actuarial team. From day one, I’ve been immersed in impactful work, making a difference for pension scheme members. I am given real responsibility within projects and comprehensive training to support that, which will ultimately make me a well-rounded actuary. I’d recommend First Actuarial as a great place to work for any aspiring actuary.”

James Mulligan, Trainee Actuary, First Actuarial LLP

Who are we looking for?

You need to have a really good head for numbers, demonstrated through a minimum of a (predicted) grade B at A-level in Maths, as well as the following skills:

• Communication – A talent for communication, learning to express complicated ideas clearly and to evolve your communication style as you advance in your apprentice.
• Strength of character – A can-do approach to problem-solving, and relationship-building skills with colleagues and later on, with clients.
• Self-discipline –Determination and motivation to combine full-time work and study.
• Problem solving – An agile mind able to consider challenges from different angles.

What we offer you

We’ll actively support you as you build your career – and reward you for doing so. At every level of seniority, we offer:

• 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.

Our apprentices develop a broad, transferable skillset which covers both technical and consulting areas. You will have opportunities to work on a range of projects, including non-traditional actuarial ones, and to develop broad business-critical skills.

All apprentices are office-based for the first few months, 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.

Should you require information in a different format, have other accessibility or reasonable adjustment requirements, or if you have any problems not listed on this page, please contact HRHelpdesk@firstactuarial.co.uk.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates with a permanent right to work in the UK.