Project Controller Review

My current role is a project planner for a number of Typhoon and Tornado contractss. This involves: EV analysis and reviews, schedule checks and updates, spend vs forecast justifications, resource mapping, open options admin support, etc...

Throughout my time on the scheme (19 months) i personally feel like i have massively developed a lot of skills. Examples are things such as: communication, IT, presenting, confidence, etc... Currently working towards higher apprenticeship and degree in project management so skills in this area have also developed.

The PCFS scheme provides us with external learning once a week, working towards a degree and higher apprenticeship, whilst allowing us to work and gain experience for the other 4 days of the week. The culture and teamwork at BAE Systems is very supportive and friendly, allowing me develop to the best of my ability.

Through performance development reviews, 12 weekly behaviour and performance reviews and other means such as praise of work etc, i personally feel like a very valued part of BAE Systems.

The programme is very structured now, after having a few teething problems at the beginning, but this was nothing major. It was quickly cleared up and the parameters of the scheme is now very easy to understand and follow. Support is always there if you need someone to talk to either through management or scheme leads. Studying is based around university support and i feel like we have sufficient and relevant support from our tutors, both in term time and out. People Portal allows us to fully understand our team hierarchy and where we fall in both our teams and the full organisational picture.

All forms of support from scheme leads are constantly apparent, helping with any problems as and when needed from the trainees. Accessing support is very easy by either email, phone call or face to face communication. Their attitude towards us is very supporting and positive and i have no issues with the process.

All support and guidance is giving to me as and when needed constantly though my placement. This helps develop me quickly and efficiently and allows me to become more autonomous as a project controller. My mentor helps to provide me with direction and support in terms of vision and expectations in the organisation. FInally, the guidance and attitude towards any problems i have is very positive and supportive, and i couldn't ask for anything more.

Salary is more than sufficient to provide for everyday living as well as savings for future events such as owning a new house and affording a new car. All costs are covered by monthly wage quite comfortably and have no issues on this front.

There are often events that BAE hold, but unless directly involved in the team, sometimes don't hear about them. Apart from this, no issues.

Yes

Perfect for after college before uni support to gain experience in work place as well as earning a salary in a prestigious company.

Ensure that your application is perfect and honest, it will come back to bite if you lie! People can work things out, so be yourself in the interview as much as possible. Try and concentrate around business subjects to have a better understanding of BAE and project management as a subject, help to give you a head start in the learning process so it isn't completely brand new. I would have liked to have been told the above statements as although obvious, it is supportive.