Apprentice Project Manager Review

As an Apprentice Project Manager working on construction projects, I assist in the coordination, documentation, and management of early-phase construction activities. My role supports the project lifecycle from design development and stakeholder engagement through to procurement, tender documentation, and pre-construction planning. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Include: Tracking & Document Control: Maintaining trackers such as the BPSS Security Clearance database, ITT and tender document logs, and risk/action registers to ensure project governance and compliance are maintained. Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with clients [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], consultants, and internal leads (e.g. design, cost, PCI) to gather and consolidate project information. Pre-Construction Support: Assisting with the preparation and review of project partnering agreements, tender documentation, and frameworks to align with delivery timelines and strategic goals. Technical Understanding: Applying my construction technology and economics knowledge (gained through university modules and site exposure) to interpret design decisions, sustainability requirements, and procurement strategies. Security & Compliance: Managing updates to clearance databases, verifying team compliance with BPSS/SC protocols, and liaising with security teams where needed. Team Communication: Participating in team meetings, supporting new starter onboarding, and preparing written reports or slide packs for internal briefings or client-facing updates.

Skills Developed: Project planning and tracking Document management and formatting Cross-discipline communication Construction-specific economic and technical appraisal Understanding public-sector procurement

I enjoy my programme to a great extent. It provides a rare and valuable balance between academic learning and real-world experience, particularly within the public sector construction environment. I feel intellectually stimulated through my university modules (like Construction Technology and Economics), which I can directly apply to live projects, making the learning deeply relevant and purposeful. The apprenticeship allows me to grow professionally and personally—learning how to communicate across disciplines, manage risk, and contribute meaningfully to a team. It’s also empowering to gradually step into more responsibility, knowing I’m supported in doing so. That said, there are moments where the workload between university and work deliverables becomes intense. But I see this as a challenge that’s shaping me into a resilient and strategic project manager, which aligns with my long-term goals.

Overall, the programme is well-structured, particularly in terms of exposing me to the right professional experiences at the right time. The projects I’ve been involved in align well with my academic modules, and I’ve had clear points of contact both at work and university. However, I’ve found that certain parts—like tracking deliverables between work and university expectations—could benefit from more integration or alignment, especially when deadlines overlap. A centralised overview of key submission dates and work milestones would help apprentices manage their time even more effectively. Despite this, I feel supported and guided, and I know who to go to when I need help. With each year, the programme becomes more tailored to my interests, which keeps me engaged and motivated.

I receive a good level of support from my employer. My team is approachable, responsive, and trusts me with meaningful tasks that build my confidence and competence as an Apprentice Project Manager. I appreciate how they allow me to gradually take ownership of responsibilities, while still being available to guide me if needed. Managers and colleagues regularly check in, offer feedback, and are open to answering questions. This support has made me feel included and respected within the team. I’ve also been given access to tools, trackers, and real project frameworks that enhance my learning and understanding of the real project management environment. That said, at times when multiple project deadlines and university submissions overlap, more structured support or flexibility would be helpful—especially during particularly demanding periods. But overall, I feel seen and valued, and I know I can reach out when I need to.

The support from my training provider is consistent and encouraging. The module materials are relevant and the tutors are knowledgeable and willing to help if I ask for clarification or guidance. The online platform is well-structured, and I’ve appreciated the opportunities to attend webinars and interact with academic content at my own pace. When I’ve engaged directly with tutors, they’ve been responsive and supportive, and I feel they genuinely want to help me succeed. That said, sometimes the structure of feedback could be clearer or more personalised—especially when understanding assignment expectations early in the module. Overall, the provider gives me the space to learn independently while still offering support when I seek it, which works well with how I learn best.

The qualification absolutely supports me in performing better in my role. The modules provide a strong theoretical foundation that complements the work I do day-to-day — especially in areas like construction technology, sustainability, and economics. It helps me understand the “why” behind real project decisions, not just the “what,” which makes me more confident and effective in meetings and when managing project information. I find myself applying module content directly to tasks such as reviewing tender documents, tracking project data, or understanding cost/value implications. Having academic insight allows me to ask better questions and engage more critically with consultants and stakeholders — which is exactly what I need to grow into a strong Project Manager.

Yes, there are some extra-curricular opportunities, particularly around professional networking and development. I’ve had the chance to attend internal events like face-to-face team meetings (CG F2F), where different colleagues are invited to speak about their work or career journeys, which helps me build relationships and learn about other areas of the business. There are occasional opportunities to get involved in graduate or early careers socials, and I’ve been encouraged to connect with other apprentices, graduates, and project teams across regions. While there isn’t a huge emphasis on sports or casual clubs (at least in my experience so far), there’s definitely room for involvement if you’re proactive — and I feel comfortable suggesting or joining things that align with my interests.

Yes

Yes, I would recommend Arcadis to a friend — especially someone who is ambitious, curious, and eager to learn. The culture is supportive, and the variety of projects (especially in public sector and infrastructure) gives you the chance to get hands-on, meaningful experience early in your career. I’ve felt trusted and respected as an apprentice, and I’ve been given opportunities to grow in both technical and soft skills. Arcadis also encourages you to explore your interests — whether that’s sustainability, innovation, or international work — and supports your development if you take initiative. It’s a place where you can build a long-term career if you're proactive, ask questions, and take responsibility for your own progress.

Be curious, not just competent. Show a genuine interest in the industry and a willingness to learn across disciplines — not just the role you're applying for. Demonstrate emotional intelligence. Arcadis values collaboration and self-awareness just as much as technical knowledge. Tailor your application to the impact Arcadis has. Research their work in sustainability, social value, or government infrastructure — and show how your interests align with those missions. Be ready to step up early. You’ll be trusted with real responsibilities from the start, so be open to learning on the job, asking for support, and owning your development. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Arcadis embraces different perspectives. If you’re authentic and driven, people will notice — and support you.