Business Management Project Assistant Review

My role as a whole is to be a Project Assistant, which means to assist the delivery of projects. However, my role can vary massively depending upon which placement I am working on at the time. However, things like engaging with stakeholders, producing packs for meetings, and managing risks and issues seem to be fairly universal in all my placements.

At the end of the two years, I will have a level 4 qualification in project management. There are also lots of opportunities to participate in internal training courses as part of the apprenticeship and you are learning on the job every day. I have certainly developed my confidence and ability to engage with people by doing this.

Again, it depends which placement I am on and everyone's experience is different. Overall it is enjoyable. The culture of LBG is getting stronger and they look after there employees, and especially apprentices. However, I have had one very bad experience when working in a team that was separate from my normal team and other apprentices seem to have found similar things. However, that team consisted of mainly contractors and so maybe the experience reflects more on the individuals involved rather than the LBG it's self.

Yes, lots of people take an interest in the apprenticeship programmes within LBG and my line manager is always very supportive. I have been nominated for an Internal award and received two others.

It varies from placement to placement but as you get further into the scheme your work becomes more structured as you are giving individual responsibilities. When you first start it can feel like you are odd jobbing but once you find your feet then the structure and alignment into certain people comes with that.

Support from our training provider is in frequent but is usually enough to progress with the qualification side of the scheme. However, I do feel they could be more hands on, especially in the first few months when a lot of apprentices seem to struggle.

This can vary from person to person, usually depending on there manager. Support within LBG as a whole is very good, we have a good HR system and there are things in place to support colleagues in a variety of ways should they need it. My line manager is very supportive of me, I actually can't really fault her hence my high rating, however I know that the situation is not the same for every apprentice on the scheme.

LBG pay their apprentices well compared to other organisations. I still live at home so things are easier for me although train travel takes a fair chuck out of my salary. I could also probably not afford to live on my own in Bristol (where I am based) comfortably on my current wage.

There are a few events throughout the year but most are organised between ourselves at a local level. There is lots of extra opportunities within the business to get involved with though.

Yes

It's a good scheme with lots of opportunities to develop, as well as strong future job prospects. The reward package is good, and the company as a whole are very supportive and proud of their apprentices.

Prepare well for the application process. Research LBG and pay special attention to the companies values, they will come up in your interview if not before! If you're successful, I would say do not be afraid or intimidated by the environment that you are entering, and allow yourself plenty of time to adjust. Don't expect yourself to know everything instantly, you're there to learn and it is okay to make mistakes. Always tell someone if you are struggling and enjoy the experience as much as you can.