Project Management Apprentice Review

My role as a Project Management Apprentice involves on a day-to-day basis working with various stakeholders ensuring they are engaged and bought into the project via the correct method of communication. Each project is unique but requires similar tasks to be undertaken depending on the size and complexity; some of the tasks required are Risk Management - analysing potential risks and issues that may affect the project achieving the deliverables. A typical identification process may require chairing a brainstorm session with various team members. These risks are then managed throughout the project lifecycle and as part of my role will be reporting such information to enable the project manager and senior management to make more informed decisions.

I have gained my APM Qualification in Project Management, this qualification enables you to be part of the professional body for project management and provides a good overall grounding of the subject. This is then developed through CPD and on the job training.

I believe it is invaluable being able to learn Project Management at College and transfer these skills into my work placement, putting methodology into practice. I work with a great team who are very supportive and encourage personal development.

I feel very valued working for such a renowned company, enabling you to work on multiple complex projects that are at the forefront of the industry. I have been recognised for my hard effort through winning recognition awards and have received constructive feedback.

Even though the course seems well managed and structured, we are the first cohort going through the scheme and some areas have not been finalised such as exiting the scheme.

As part of the course we have to undertake functional skills exams in subjects that we may have not achieved a GCSE. However, the College provide guidance and resource material but no lessons or support. Resultantly, a few students are finding it challenging to pass the exams.

My employer is very supportive and provide various courses that you can undertake to improve competencies. They also recommend a mentor to be assigned to you for career development.

At first the salary is quite low but as the scheme has progressed the pay is becoming a lot better and meets living costs, but not my travel expenses.

There is many opportunities outside of work and we are encouraged to undertake stretch assignments that can be related and non-related to our course, such as School Career Events, STEM and Schools Engineering Event.

Yes

The company fully supports individual development and provides every employee with the skillsets required for their role, but also offers further development for those willing to progress. They also recognise and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond their normal role.

I would highly recommend the course and for those looking to go to University. This is a brilliant route to achieve a degree without the student debt, but more importantly gaining work experience for future job roles alongside the qualification. I would recommend looking into such areas as Project Control and Project Management; Project Lifecycles, Risk and Finance.