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At Isio, apprentices are a vital part of ensuring we provide the best possible service for our clients. Apprenticeships are a great way of bringing talent into the organisation in order to develop a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce. Our apprenticeship programmes span right across the business from IT, HR and Investment, through to Pensions Administration and Actuarial and Consulting.

I see the Isio Apprentice Scheme as absolutely crucial to enable us to build a diverse workforce to take us forward as a company. In the Investment Team I’ve had direct experience of the value that our apprentices can deliver, they have truly been first class.

George Fowler

Investment Partner

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve spoken to some of our very own apprentices to find out what it’s like to be part of the programme.


Charlotte
What is your job title and location?

I’m a HR Apprentice based in Manchester.

How long have you been in your apprentice role?

12 months.

What’s your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

Being in the work environment to get hands on experience.

Tell us about your experience working for Isio.

I really enjoy working for Isio, I have an amazing team who are all very supportive and do everything they can to help me along the way with my apprenticeship. It’s a growing company so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and develop.

What has your career journey been to get you where you are today?

I did my BA Hons degree in Professional and Commercial Dance whilst working part time at Tesco, then Covid hit so my career path changed and I ended up on this apprenticeship. I chose HR because it was something I naturally fell into as it suited my mannerisms, it what I naturally became attracted to when looking at different job descriptions. Also how each day is different, keeping you on your toes.

What do you get up to at the weekends?

I go to the gym and spend time with family and friends.

Can you give us one bit of advice you’d give someone thinking about an apprenticeship?

Do it – as you get the luxury of experience alongside the ‘classroom’ learning which really excels your development.


Ahmad
What is your job title and location?

I am a Pension Administration apprentice.

How long have you been in your apprentice role?

I started in October of 2021, so it has been 15 Months now.

What’s your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

One of the things I appreciate most about my apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn from my experienced colleagues on a daily basis and to apply my knowledge through hands-on work, rather than just acquiring theoretical knowledge.

Tell us about your experience working for Isio.

At Isio, continuous improvement and innovation are key priorities, with a focus on streamlining work processes and creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience for employees, while meeting the demands of clients. The office atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment in which everyone feels happy to be a part of.

What has your career journey been to get you where you are today?

Initially, I had only a rudimentary understanding of pensions, but through my apprenticeship, I have honed my skills and gained the ability to handle a wide range of pension-related tasks, including the calculation of retirement benefits, spouse benefits, pension increases, and retirement settlements. I am now well on my way to becoming a fully qualified pension administrator.

What do you get up to at the weekends?

During the weekends, I prioritise spending quality time with my family, as well as going to the gym. I also like to read books and watch football. I enjoy doing some shopping for my home and trying out new things.

Can you give us one bit of advice you’d give someone thinking about an apprenticeship?

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, my advice is to focus on developing strong time management skills. Balancing training, studying, and work can be challenging, but with good time management techniques such as effective planning, avoiding work overload, and utilising study time efficiently, you’ll have a better chance of thriving in your apprenticeship and becoming a successful learner.


Emily
What is your job title and location?

I’m an Assistant Investment Consultant based in the Bristol office.

How long have you been in your apprentice role?

I joined Isio (then KPMG) in 2019 through their apprenticeship programme. During that time, I have successfully completed the first apprenticeship course and I am now half-way through the second course, studying towards CFA Level 1.

What’s your favourite thing about doing an apprenticeship?

When I started my apprenticeship with Isio I was unsure of what to expect and where it could take my career; but I have been given opportunities that have allowed me to kick start my career and progress further than I had anticipated in such a short space of time. I have been able to attend client meetings and gain real experience in the industry which has been amazing for my development professionally and personally.

Tell us about your experience working for Isio.

During my time at Isio, I have built strong relationships across the team and feel surrounded by people who genuinely want to see me succeed. I have received mentoring throughout my career and worked in a very supportive environment, which has made my job more enjoyable and rewarding.

What has your career journey been to get you where you are today?

I joined Isio straight after completing my A Levels at sixth form.

What do you get up to at the weekends?

For those that know me, I mainly spend my weekends socialising with friends. However, this has been put on hold for now whilst I study for my CFA exam!

Can you give us one bit of advice you’d give someone thinking about an apprenticeship?

The main bit of advice that I would give is to be brave and put yourself out there. It can be daunting entering the industry straight from school rather than university but, in my experience at Isio, everyone is there to support you and help you make the transition into the working world.

We look forward to welcoming more apprentices into the business as we continue to grow throughout 2023 and beyond. To find out about Isio’s latest apprenticeship opportunities visit our careers website below.

Early careers

Having an apprentice has been a really great addition to the team, they bring a different perspective to our work, and have had the time to really grow into the role by following the apprenticeship programme. Having the structure of the programme during the early years, whilst also getting to experience the day-to-day work, has given the opportunity to develop both technical and softer skills, and as a result progresses as quickly as people who went through university. This success has also encouraged us to make more effort in attracting a diverse range of people and talent, and shows the importance of nurturing people who have a fantastic attitude towards their job and their career.

Matt Collinson

Partner

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