Project Manager Review

I am currently a first year Project Management Apprentice. On arrival into the company we was put into different roles, mine being a CAM role meaning Control Account Management. This roles involves a lot of numbers and data, using Microsoft excel software. Within my role I am not always sat up to a computer all the time working out this data I regular communicate with key stakeholders within the company and attend meetings that benefit me massively. I have been held responsible for a lot of daily tasks, this added responsibility has boosted my confidence massively. All my responsibilities feed into a pack that is very important within my area.

I have developed a lot of skills during my time at BAE Systems so far. The company provides more than enough training sessions that have helped me to become competent in key area's. I have also gained a huge amount of confidence speaking in front of large groups of people, without the company's help I wouldn't be able to do this. I have also gained skills using excel. When I started the company I had never used excel before but now I am competent and using this software. For example I feel confident in conducting pivot tables and v lookups to help me correlate data and find trends.

I really enjoy the programme and scheme I am currently on. I am learning as I go as well as gaining a degree. I am able to use the knowledge I learn in college into practice at work, this increasing my skillset massively. I have made lots of new friends and the scheme provides a great networking between all of the different years. Friends I know that I will be close to for life! The scheme met my expectations and more, I feel independent yet guided to become the best person I can be.

I feel valued at BAE Systems, although I do find that as an apprentice you can be doubted upon for how much work you are capable of taking on and learning dependent upon the line manager and colleague (this not from my own experience but from hearing others). I feel that 1-1's can help resolve this and should be conducted more often. I feel valued by people directly involved in the scheme for example my scheme managers who regularly check up on our progress by doing 12 week reviews.

My programme is professionally structured with 10 years of experience people are able to understand how to deal with us as apprentices, particularly as a first year. Roles are clearly prepared and set out for us well in advance, we are able to move if we feel uncomfortable in a role as for example it is not challenging enough. The fact we are able to get a degree out of our scheme is fantastic! The degree side of things is clearly structured due to experience, we get every bit of help we need in college or out of college.

I receive a lot of support from my Tutor, she is helpful and always wanting us to try our best in every assignment. She has helped me to gain key skills and her style of working is second to none. It is easy to follow and great for a first year (wasn't as daunting as I had expected).

I receive huge support from everyone necessary e.g. my Line Manager, Scheme Manager, Skills Coach, etc. My line manager is second to none, she has been really beneficial being on the scheme previous to myself. She has enabled me to gain confidence, get a good networking between other workers and think about my future here at BAE Systems. My scheme managers have been fantastic, being apart of the scheme since the beginning they know how to handle all situations and where to place people role after role. They are constantly there for support and only a phone call away. They are also always happy to arrange meetings where necessary.

My salary is second to none, being one of the most well paid apprenticeships in the UK. For myself I live far away from both sites Warton and Samlesbury and found it would be expensive if I was to travel from site to site yet the company pay for fuel when travelling from site to site. This is very beneficial.

There are many opportunities out of work but only fairly the same person cannot participate every single time. The scheme managers tend to pick who can participate in each one fairly, so that everyone can have a turn. I have helped out at opening evenings and a lot of future things I am to help out in for example Son's and Daughter's to Work Day.

Yes

As stated previously the company has helped me to gain many different skill sets that will be beneficial to me now and in my later life. The pay helps to cover all my costs and more. We are advised to participate with a share scheme and a pension scheme. Everyone is very helpful and there is a great networking on sites particularly for apprentices.

Take on all opportunities that are offered to yourself whilst on the scheme. As an apprentice you should take on all training, particularly as a first year you should not be relied upon. I would of liked to been advised how much the job is centred around excel spread sheets, so I could of learnt in advance. On the assessment centre make sure to fully research the company and what you are wanting to go into.