2025 Retirement Actuarial Graduate Trainee Consultant Programme, Bristol

WTW  

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.

As part of the 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’ll also get the opportunity to communicate the results of this work, to colleagues and ultimately to clients. You’ll 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 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  

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

Where applicable, support via the Level 7 Actuary Apprenticeship

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. 

Our community

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, our inclusion and diversity networks 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 three 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.

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 an opportunity for you to ask questions. 

*Stage 4: * Offer and acceptance.

Stage 5: Keeping in touch including office visit and invites to social events where you will be able to meet some of your future colleagues.

Stage 6 : On-boarding.

Closing Date: 30th September 2024

Start date for the UK Graduate Programme will be the beginning of September 2025.

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. 

The benefits of working 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 a competitive pay and flexible benefits package (which includes options such as private medical insurance and life insurance), flexible working policies, a broad range of leave policies, and a programme of learning and development opportunities. 

Interviewing hints and tips  

WTW specialises in preparing for the unknown.  Here’s how to get ready for the big day: https://careers.wtwco.com/hints-and-tips/