Higher Apprentice (PCFS) Review

Project Controls - reporting weekly on project progress in metrics packs/ meetings, attending Tier meetings, and having various project team meetings to discuss new ventures/ developments. I have a wide range of interaction from those in my team, to those developing the schedules and delivering the project work, it is interesting and varied throughout the week. My work can vary but overall I really do enjoy it.

I have developed my excel skills which previously were minimal and I can now deal with altering formulas, finding the corruption in reports and assessing whether reports are reflecting the data correctly. I have also has various risk and schedule training sessions which have helped me understand more of the work which I do not edit but do have to deal with within my placement. In addition to this, the lead project controller has been a huge help in understand the business and how each of the tools used operate so that I am able to use them when required.

I am enjoying learning all of the tasks which come along with project controls and have integrated well within the project team and feel comfortable with approaching them, however there was some difficulty initially which has affected my outlook in this placement, but overall the experience has been a positive one and has taught me a lot which I will be able to use in future.

Overall I feel very valued, I am appreciated and understood in terms of what is required of me. In addition to this, I feel comfortable approaching my line manager about any issues regarding my placement, college or any external issues which may affect my work. I think that BAE look after all their employees and give them all a really good level of support which show they care for their employees and workers too.

I feel that it has some structure however it could do with a more rigorous guideline as certain areas do slip and sometimes planning is last minute and therefore it doesn't always give us the opportunity to engage as much as possible, however there is a process in place to raise these issues and I feel some of them are being resolved, therefore I think it is a work in progress due to the scheme being in its infancy.

The support we receive from our Lecturer is very good and has improved drastically since having one core lecturer instead of a different one each week - and this should be noted as rated at 9/10. This cannot be said for the support provided by the college itself. Issues are continually being raised relating to communication and contact with them and often information is not provided until the last minute causing stress. In addition to this, feedback has been poor and does not give constructive improvement areas to allow development and progression therefore I feel that this could be significantly improved - again this is something which is being looked into, however communication seems to be an on going problem.

I receive a high amount of support from my line manager who is happy to provide whatever is needed to allow me to improve and develop and is willing to help resolve any issues to ensure I stay engaged and involved in my work. We are often asked if we need any more help too and are told the different ways and routes we can ask for help depending on what help we need, I.e work help - ask an employee or manager, personal help/support - helplines to call.

Currently I think my salary is sufficient for the current position I am in as I do not have many outgoing costs other than the cost of my car and phone, however in order to be able to afford to move out of my family home and either buy a house of my own or start renting in the local area, I feel it would be only just enough to cover this without any consideration for social and upkeep costs therefore I will not be able to do this for some time.

There are a wide variety of opportunities to get involved in such as STEM, APM Challenge and other voluntary opportunities. I am aware that there are also sporting opportunities however I am not involved in any but we are offered the chance to do these as well as some charity work both internally (such as bake sales) and externally (such as sponsored runs etc.) and this is really nice types of other opportunities I like to get involved with too.

Yes

It is a good opportunity to develop skills and engage with a wide range of people, as well as gain valuable experience is a well-grounded company which is committed to its staff. The advantages and perks you get from the job are really good plus you don't have to pay for your educational fees and there is a good support system in place so you don't feel neglected of left on your own.

I would like to have been told in more detail about all of the additional opportunities BAE provide (i.e. STEM, AMPC, awards etc) as this wasn't really something that was sold to be before I joined and I feel it is an important point to show how much BAE are trying to recognise those who work well and provide for local communities, even though it is such a large business. I think there also needs to be clearer description of what the courses actually involve as this was something I was still confused about after I began the work.