Project Management (Operations) Higher Apprentice Review

I have many roles and responsibilities in my role at BAE Systems, these include things like running reviews for parts in the design, taking minutes in meetings and running metrics weekly to allow the team to report on their progress. This allows me to develop in the skills I will need when I come out of my time.

I have achieved my APM Project Fundamentals Qualification in the first six months of my apprenticeship. I am also currently in my second semester on a Foundation degree in Project Management. During the summer next year I will also be studying for my APM PMQ Qualification which will make me a professional in the business area. These skills learnt by studying have allowed me to apply what I have learnt at college to the work environment.

I am thoroughly enjoying my time on the scheme, I am currently in my second placement and both the teams that I have been involved in have been helpful and supportive of me during my time with them. The company allows apprentices to have a unique opportunity of getting on the job experience whilst also studying in Higher Education.

I feel valued by the company due to the fact that I know the work I am completing in my placement is worth something and it matters. This is giving me a large amount of responsibility which is something that allows me to thrive. My current placement manager often praises me for the work that I have been doing for her as it is up to such a high standard.

My induction into the company was ok however suffered due to poor team work of the team who were leading it. My training and higher education is structured due to us being let out every Thursday in term time to complete our degree. I have regular one to ones with my discipline manager and skills coach who are both easily accessible if needed.

My tutors at college are available any day you should need them via email. This allows me to ask questions that might crop up during the day when I am not at college that they can answer quickly for me. This helps develop my understanding of things that I am learning at both work and college.

My employer offers me support in many areas. This includes things like ethics, counselling and general work enquires. I was recently off sick with a back injury and on my return to work the Early Careers team offered me all the help I needed including referring me to occupational health.

I think the salary for the higher apprenticeships is very fair. This is a lot more than we would be earning if we chose to go to university and is more than enough to cover holidays, cars, general day to day things. Due to where we live we are fortunate enough that the cost of living is relatively low compared to some parts of the UK.

During the 6 months that I have been employed by the company I have had many opportunities to get involved in things outside of work. I recently attended an open night at the local college promoting BAE and also attended the offsite open day which was a full day event for local schools and colleges to come and talk to people about what it is like working for the company. I am also involved in organising this years charity football tournament which raises fund for help for heroes and is held in June. I have also recently joined the rounders team which consists on trainees and ex trainees.

Yes

I think it is a unique experience due to still being able to study for your degree whilst also getting on the job experiences which you wouldn't get if you went to university. This allows you to have more of a foot in the door due to not coming out of finishing a degree and having no experience in the area of work that you want to go into.

One tip I have is start your application as soon as you can and take your time on it. This allows you to spot silly mistakes you might have made when writing it out. In regards to the assessment days I think it is important to not let the nerves get the better of you and try to just be yourself.