Project Manager Review

My role is to manage 3 projects within the program and handle the week to week activities of a supplier, this includes document approvals, schedule management and team meetings. I work alongside engineers and supply chain professionals to complete tasks which work towards review gates. I also have to complete stretch activities on a weekly basis.

I've learnt lots of new skills, including schedule management, risk management, leadership, communication, teamwork, and lots of other technical skills. In my role, communication is key to make sure that the projects are delivered on time so having this as a key skill helps me a lot in the role

I do enjoy my work placement as I get to interact with high level and experiences individuals which help my development. However, I find that the requirements from Early Careers and the apprenticeship programme cause a lot of unneeded stress, as I'm trying to handle the activities of a full time project manager while also having lots of apprenticeship work to do on top of that.

From a placement point of view, it has been very good and has allowed me to develop myself greatly. I've been able to learn a lot about how project management works and what can enable to become professional. from an apprenticeship point of view, it has not been organised well and has caused many problems with how well we are perceived in the business. Handling the amount of work that comes with being an apprentice is very difficult when nothing is properly organised.

In my work placement, I get lots of support and there are people there to help when I need it. From an apprenticeship and Early Careers side, the availability of support is quite low and leaves me in the dark as some points as to what's going on.

I get a good amount of support from my lecturers but the actual sessions and lectures we receive are not as good as they can be.

I don't think that my training provider helps me much when it comes to performing better in my role.

There are a few events such as charity events which I've been involved in which help create relationships

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems as there is opportunity to climb the career ladder and learn a lot of great skills from experienced individuals.

If you go into an apprenticeship, make sure you're prepared to do a lot of Early Careers work and for it to be inconstant.