Project Control Foundaiton Scheme Higher Apprentice Review

Project Controller My Roles and Responsibilities are largely linked to supporting transformational activities, at an array of different levels. My interactions range from Project level, including Project Management teams, all the way up to Director level, and the Director's first line management team. I am responsible for organising and collating Project reporting, as well as challenging data that is submitted as part of the reporting cycle. Part of this role include interpreting corporate level project governance, as well as applying local governance to projects: such as being the owner of reporting templates used. As well as this, I maintain and create project schedules, and facilitate Project Management activity by supporting Project Managers with "Subject Matter Expert" support. I have little interaction with external organisations, however, the size of my organisation is upwards of 1000 people at a local level, so I often contact individuals external to my owner team.

Qualifications: Business Skills Apprenticeship Frameworks - Employee Rights and Responsibilities Workbook (May 2015) Completed. Internal Training: Microsoft Project Training Courses Predict! Risk Reporter WRAP Training (Workshop Raising Awareness of Prevent) Online ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) Alongside my current Higher Apprenticeship I am studying a Foundation Degree in Project Management, so have undergone several lectures and multiple modules towards the first year of this qualification. My employer provides a wealth of online training that I can apply to complete, as well as some mandatory training. I have learnt countless Desktop skills as part of my day job, which has been taught in the form of learning on the job. This includes (non exhaustive) Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook My Options (Linked to SAP systems) Microsoft Access My Apprenticeship has helped me to build interpersonal skills, which although I did posses beforehand, have been improved largely.

The work is varied, and there is also opportunity to increase my personal responsibilities within my team. "Stretch" assignments provide the platform to complete tasks that I may not usually get to experience, such as organising events, visiting schools as part of a STEM programme, etc. The company culture is positive, and I feel supported both within my immediate team, my Early Careers function, and the company in general. The company has met my expectations well, and the job description was accurate in terms of the role I perform. The experiences I have as part of this scheme have been valuable, and learning new skills is truly enjoyable. My early careers colleagues are likeminded, and we collaborate well with each other.

Due to the nature of my early careers role, my progress is frequently reviewed through an array of methods. This provides a good platform for adequate praise and appreciation, as well as the opportunity to seek areas for improvement. I am thanked for my effort most days, and feel as if my contribution to the team is both valid and valued.

The induction process was extremely thorough, and provided a strong overview of the company. This was paired up with specific scheme induction briefings, which provided me a well rounded view of what to expect. Progress is reviewed on a regular basis, following set structure. I have readily available access to my mentor, within my current role, and there are several other mechanisms in place to provided mentorship. This is through Project Management Subject Matter Experts, colleagues in my work placement, and members of the cohort in the year above my own. The scheme is governed by a well organised structure of processes, and following set paperwork templates.

Support from the Training Provider is well structured and readily available. There is good feedback on work, and there are opportunities to have 1 on 1 tutorials on a regular basis. Progress is reported through Block Reports, which can be discussed in detail.

My scheme has a dedicated Early Careers Manager, who is responsible for supporting individuals and organising the scheme. There are regular points of contact established, and if needed ad hoc assistant can be sought.

Exceptionally well - The scheme's salary is highly competitive, especially for a Higher Apprenticeship. There are good benefits to working for the company, and expenses for travel etc. are covered.

There are a mass of STEM event, which are local community initiatives, as well as a large amount of Leisure/Sports clubs/teams, at both amateur and competitive levels. The company frequently provides opportunities outside of work.

Yes

The scheme is well thought out and organised, any issues that do arise are addressed well. The Higher Apprenticeship provides a real alternative to University, and creates a platform to both "earn and learn". The scheme offers real world experience through the work placement aspect, and good educational knowledge.

Be thorough in your application, and know your answers well. Investigate the company values and morals, and try to know the role as well as you can. Be efficient with your paperwork, and ensure that you practice introducing yourself to people you do not know. Be prepared for difficult competency based questions.