Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

My role as a project management higher apprentice differs depending on the placement I'm in at the time, however In my current placement which is my actually exiting placement, I act as a project engineers for Audacious Boat 4. This could involve, holding review, organising for contractors to come onsite and management the scope of work, especially for the weapons systems on the submarine.

My apprenticeship has developed skills that beforehand were very poor. My confidence when creating my own work, teamwork and communication are constantly improving from working with a number of teams in my time here, and general initiative have improved massively in my 2 and a half years in BAE Systems and I have become a lot more proactive employee since starting.

My higher apprenticeship scheme has been very enjoyable and as I gain my experience that increase, as I understand more and more about the work I'm doing and what is contributes towards, I get more invested my role and therefore find more enjoyment in the job. Especially my current placement in a Project team.

Now I am coming to the back end of my apprenticeship and I definitely feel more like a valued member of a team. I now have my own scope of work of the project I work under and this give me a high level of responsibility which would make anyone feel more valued by their company

My programme has ran very smoothly, the placements I have been in have improved my competence over the last couple years, to the point where I am now ready to exit into the business and apply what I have learnt. I have also gone very well alongside the foundation degree in Project Management which has massively helped with generic Project Management academia.

My foundation degree is through Blackpool & the Fylde College, the Lecturer which deliver our course are always there for guidance, with assignments, general queries about the lectures they deliver and just general supports if needed, as due to the full working week with a degree on top, it can be stressful at time, so they are there if needed by us.

Through our Early Careers team, the Project Management function, and my placement manager, as a Higher Apprentice, there are an array of people I could go to if I had any issues and I feel as though there is the right level of support to the point where I can get on with my work independently but there is also guidance if needed.

I believe that my current salary is competitive especially for the cost of living in my local area. With the yearly pay rises and pay increases the salaries stays competitive within this industry. My exit salary will rise a significant amount at the end of my apprenticeship which is well reflect the work I carry out on a daily basis.

In the local area, there are plenty clubs, activities different things to get involved in. Some of which are communicated out to all higher apprentices. Along with this we carry out 'Stretch assignments', these let us get involved in non-submarine based projects which can range from working with schools to refurbishing libraries, these opportunities are available on a regular basis.

Yes

BAE Systems has so much to offer to young aspiring individuals, especially the higher apprenticeships. I takes students who have just finished A Levels and alongside free higher education give people the platform to become an expert in different areas of the business , with constant opportunities to improve yourself and better your career.

I would recommend doing research on BAE Systems first to understand the type of work and products we create, I would also recommend going to careers fairs where BAE are present and talk to people first hand, especially apprentices who have been in your shoes and can explain the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship of university etc.