Project Management Trainee Review

I am a project management higher apprentice. I move around placements every four month, so my daily tasks vary depending on what placement I'm in. Generally, I interact with different functions daily, get involved with reporting, tracking finance, chasing actions, preparing packs, driving meetings, looking at changes to baseline scope, re-work, schedule management, issue resolution and continuous improvement. It changes daily, which is why I like it. I am currently on the Reactor Team so I deal with a lot of nuclear issues, processes, and anything that is required to meet our business milestones.

I've been provided the opportunity to complete a higher apprenticeship qualification (Level 4), an APM qualification that is a recognised project management qualification, and a foundation degree through Lancaster University. I've also done a magnitude of training courses that develop me as a BAE employee as well as in general, including PREVENT training on how to spot and prevent radicalisation in young people. In terms of my daily job, I've developed my communication skills, organisational skills and confidence no end.

I really enjoy my programme. There are a lot of different communities that you're a part of so you feel well looked after and develop a really extensive network of contacts that can help you in the future. There is an early careers team who manage all higher apprentices, a PM function that look after the 15 PM higher apprentices and your placement team. I keep in contact with all my previous placements so have a wide array of people I can go to if I need them, to help with my development etc. The working culture isn't as difficult as I thought it would be - going from sixth form having summer holidays, half terms etc. to full time working life is a big change but I've adapted well. It did meet my expectations on the main part.

I feel very valued by the PM function, as there are only 15 of us in our year so it's a very personal interaction. Generally speaking I feel valued by my placement, but this changes in each team. I have been in a placement before where I felt like a burden and was very much treated like an admin assistant, but that's an exception. I'm usually welcomed into a team as a full member and given a fair share of responsibility, which makes you feel valued. I don't really feel valued by Early Careers. This is to be expected seeing as though they look after the entire higher apprentice and graduate communities. I appreciate the funding that comes from them to do my qualifications, but I don't feel a personal connection with the department. I never see or contact them unless it's to approve my timesheet, which isn't a grumble, but I personally feel like I am much more connected to the PM function or my placement team.

It is well structured, I think the 4 month placement rotations are good because they align to what competencies we need to tick off our apprenticeship. The organisation of these could be better, as we are only told where we are moving to a week or so before which doesn't give us much time to prepare by introducing ourselves to our new managers etc. We have regular comms meetings with the PM function which is two way communication, and monthly briefings from early careers (one way communication). There is a mentor system in place which helps some people. I believe the programme is organised well as there is a lot to consider and it's planned out well.

Our Blackpool college tutors are really supportive and are always willing to help with questions about college work or assignments. We don't have any interaction with the college themselves seeing as though we don't get taught on campus. Our tutors are friendly and approachable. We do suffer slightly not being taught on campus as we lack textbooks and facilities that others benefit from.

I was allocated a mentor but didn't find the process useful, so don't use them. I know other people find that helpful, though. I also don't have much interaction with my line manager. But, I feel I get a lot of support from my placement manager and would be happy going to them for help and advice.

The salary is above and beyond what I would need at the age of 21. I have no dependencies, so my money only has to pay for my car and my board and the occasional food shop. I enjoy many holidays and trips away thanks to my generous wage and can treat my family to the things they deserve, that I couldn't do when I was working part-time jobs at Asda etc. whilst at sixth form. My wage also rises annually, so will continue to meet my needs.

I'm not aware of any. There are occasionally squad parties on special occasions, e.g. leaving dos, Christmas. That's about it I think.

Yes

It's an excellent company to work for and the scheme is rivalled by none, especially in Barrow. The company value you and invest a lot into your development, and moving around the business is a great way to discover your strengths before committing to a full time role.

Prepare in advance for the interview process as it is nerve wracking and they put you under a bit of pressure. Get involved in as much as you can and make the most of the scheme whilst you're on it because it really is an excellent opportunity.