Associate Project Manager Review

My job title is Associate Project Manager. I organise, attend and lead meetings, communicate with stakeholders, manage schedules, manage budgets and much more. I interact with the project team, subject matter experts, suppliers, customers, contractors and executives. As part of my role I am responsible for the day to day running’s of the project ensuring it is delivered to the specified time, cost, quality and scope. The projects we manage are unique transient endeavours undertaken to achieve specified benefits.

On the course I will study for a higher apprenticeship qualification, foundation degree and honours degree in project management. in internal training is provided through success factors these can be sessions or day courses. The bulk of delivery for the degree takes place at Blackpool and the Fylde university centre and is fully accredited by Lancaster University. I have acquired a wide variety of skills and knowledge related to project management.

The work is very enjoyable, in particular the independence and responsibility offered. The Team are supportive both on the scheme and in the workplace and the university environment. They are fully engaged and focus on continual improvement. The company work culture emphasises the importance of apprentices as the workforce of tomorrow. The programme met and exceeded my expectations and provides fantastic opportunities I think are bespoke to BAE Systems. I really enjoy what I do.

My line manager invests a lot of time into my development and training but also allows time for development external to my role. The scheme is internally recognised as being prestigious and the apprentices are held in high regard. The company itself and the reputation of being an Apprentice at BAE Systems also stand you in good stead externally.

The programme is very well structured. The initial induction provided sufficient in depth understanding of the company, job role, expectations and opportunities offered. Training is assigned directly to you and the opportunity for additional development is also encouraged. Support is also provided to aid studying and mentors can be sought to benefit you further. Tasks are readily delegated and responsibility is encouraged as soon as you are deemed ready. The team hierarchy is explained to you so you have a good awareness of where you fit and where you could potentially progress throughout your career. Overall the programme is very well organised.

Support is made readily available at University. Tutors are more than ready to help. As project management is a vocational discipline it often helps to link the work studied between the classroom and the workplace as it underpins and supports the theory providing you with a better understanding of your role. The attitude of those involved is positive as they are there to help you. I enjoy working in this environment and think its keeps me productive. HELMS are also available at University to talk to about assignment issues.

Support is made readily available at work. Line managers are more than ready to help. As project management is a vocational discipline it often helps to link the work studied between the classroom and the workplace as it underpins and supports the theory providing you with a better understanding of your role. The attitude of those involved is positive as they are there to help you. I enjoy working in this environment and think its keeps me productive.

My salary is more than adequate to accommodate my costs providing plenty of opportunities to save as well. arguably on of the most competitive and well payed apprenticeship schemes in the UK. living costs, travel costs, daily costs, social costs and location costs are all catered for. The potential pay increases are also good.

Opportunities are advertised to represent the company and are also encouraged. This may be at an internal event or an external event. To talk about the Apprenticeship scheme, the company or STEM. Both volunteering and paid events are available. The opportunity to talk to all ages, prospective employees, parents; careers etc. topics unrelated to the job like sports can also be set up. Anything new could be recommended and put in place if sufficiently backed.

Yes

BAE is a fantastic employee that offers unique and unrivalled opportunities. The prospects having completed the scheme are amazing. there are travel opportunities, exposure to jobs and roles, on the job experience. In a competitive work environment the opportunity to study for a degree for free and work full time gives experience that puts you streets ahead of your peers when looking for competitive jobs and careers. I would recommend the company and its schemes to anyone because of this.

Research the company, its product, customers and the role your applying for. but ultimately be yourself!