Project Managment Higher Apprentice Review

I am currently doing a Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management at BAE Systems, working with Corporate Social Responsibility, mainly within the Education and Skills department. This involves engaging with local schools and colleges in Barrow and surrounding areas, promoting STEM subjects to help set up our 'talent pipeline' for our future workforce. As a high percentage of our employees are recruited from the local community we want to ensure they have the skills that we are looking for. We also contribute to careers fairs and other external events.

As well as gaining an NVQ through my apprenticeship, BAE Systems are funding my Foundation Degree in Project Management, which I am currently undertaking through the University of Cumbria. As part of my development I am also involved with STRETCH projects, which are small projects funded by the business. These projects are fundamental to my learning and have helped me improve my leadership and communication skills, as well as working to a deadline. My most recent role within a STRETCH project is Communications lead in the Early Careers Wellbeing Project, which helps to promote safeguarding, along with mental and physical wellbeing within the Early Careers population.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship programme with BAE Systems. I move around to different placements every 4 months, so the work is challenging and very varied, which I like. I enjoy being part of the Early Careers community, and always knowing I have someone to talk to if I need it. The company have recognised the importance of investing in young people who are willing to learn.

BAE Systems as a company is always promoting recognition of achievements within the business. I have recently supported the Project Management Assessment Centre for the next intake of higher apprentices, and after the event my line manager sent me a thank you of recognition for my contribution to the company. The fact that they are investing in my learning and my future also makes me feel valued.

Generally I would say that the programme is well structured. However, from my personal experience, I started slightly later (October) and there was a lot of confusion with my Foundation Degree/NVQ and I ended up deferring my Foundation Degree for a year, due to not being enrolled in time. This could have been handled better, as I don't really fit in with a year group now and constantly get missed off email threads etc. But, my line manager and mentor have been very supportive and I now feel a lot better since starting my Foundation Degree.

Both tutors from Furness College and University of Cumbria are very supportive. They have good library facilities, including e-learning and respond to queries quickly. At the end of each module they ask us for feedback, both on the module and the delivery of lessons in general to ensuring we are getting the best out of them.

BAE Systems are a supportive employer and always put employees safety first, both physically and mentally. I have 12 weekly reviews with my line management team, to ensure I am getting the support I need and that I am getting on ok. I also have a business mentor who supports me with my objectives for each placement to ensure they are realistic/achievable/challenging enough. We have an employee assistance programme and occupational health department to support any personal problems that you may have.

I think that the starting salary as a Higher Apprentice in BAE Systems is very competitive - in fact it pays more than my previous job, where I had already gained a Level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing. I am now able to afford to pay a mortgage, and still go on holidays. I live locally so travel costs aren't really an issue.

I have been involved in a few opportunities outside of work, my favourite being a Project Management Conference in Liverpool. I have represented my company at external events/careers fairs and there are regular volunteering opportunities supported by the company - such as a local beach clean. As a higher apprentice I have had the opportunity to support local STEM events at schools. BAE Systems also promotes challenges such as the Keswick to Barrow Walk.

Yes

I would recommend BAE Systems as it has given me the opportunity to gain more qualifications whilst building my career within the Project Management Function and gaining the skills that I require to be a good Project Manager. Employees within BAE Systems are valued and rewarded for their work with lots of benefits such as the employee share incentive scheme, flexible working hours, competitive salary, pension scheme and much more.

I would advise people to be honest and approach the whole process openly as the assessors/interviewers aren't trying to 'trip you up' they just want to ensure that you are right for the business and that the business is right for you. I had to attend an assessment centre with 14 other candidates, and I was very nervous - but everyone else is in the same position as you, so keep that in mind! Take any opportunity that comes your way as it could open doors to lots of new experiences.