Project Management Apprentice Review

my job title is a project controller in the hawk bid team, daily I create reports, check the resource allocated to the tasks on the contract, track spend against the contract, create packs on the contract status, I speak with the engineers, some very important stakeholders, I don't have any external stakeholders at the moment, I am responsible for updating a number of packs and reports, I have output that is needed for the project

I have gained an APM qualification, had plenty of work based training both online and out of the office, I have learnt a lot during my 3 roles so far and will continue to learn in the future, I have completed a project control simulation course, I have done many online courses to increase awareness and have also done a transactional analysis course which was very enjoyable and helpful

I really enjoy coming to work, my team are very friendly and include me in everything, they can have a laugh but are also very helpful and supportive for my role, they have a lot of knowledge they can pass onto me but also leave me to support myself at times, I am really enjoying my current role as I find it very interesting work, the company is also great to work for as there are so many benefits and its highly recognised nationwide

very definitely, I feel that I am part of the team and the company. I feel the need to come to work to get things done and I feel I would be missed if I wasn't here. my manager ensures she tells me when she is pleased with what I have done, I have also had recognition in the form of an above and beyond payment from the scheme leaders for good work, I am always involved in tasks outside of my daily role which are always very interesting

I feel that the scheme is very well managed, any complaints are dealt with promptly, I know where to go for support. there is support at uni by HELMS when writing assignments, the tutors will also give good feedback on draft assignments, I am able to organise meetings with college tutors to discuss any problems, I also have the opportunity to get myself a mentor although I haven't done this yet

the scheme leaders are amazing at supporting the apprentices, they will help out in any way they can and go out of their way to do this, there is always a say in where you would like to go on placement which is not always offered in other places, I feel part of their team and I know that if I have an issue, I can contact them about this and will be in a meeting with them within minutes and my problem is solved instantly and if not, they will work to do so.

my manager offers me a lot of support and although she has a busy role, she always makes time to sit with me if I need the help. I know where the support is should I need it for HR advice, I don't yet have a mentor but would like to have one in the future. there are many lines available from the company to help out their staff and I know that if I needed it, there would always be someone there to help me out

the salary is great for an apprentice wage! its very competitive, especially when starting at 18 years old I didn't know what to do with it all, its definitely enough to save for a house at the same time as paying any bills you currently have like gym memberships, car and insurance, board at home, its a great wage and definitely helps to fill my wardrobe and feed my trainer addiction, its a great location for me too so I save money travelling to work too

yes, there are loads of opportunities to get involved with stuff, STEM activities and big company events. You can volunteer for loads of events, gardening at st catherines hospice, workshops with children from local schools about engineering, teachers and tutors day at the new ask facility, open evenings to tell others about the company! the list is endless, and always supported by the managers!

Yes

I have already recommended it to many friends and told them to apply, you are very well looked after, really good wage which increases yearly depending on how well you perform which is a good incentive, the shares are great, bonus every year from the company, I love the flexi time that we work on as it really fits with my lifestyle and give me the flexibility to work whenever I like (within reason) overall a great company to work for

take your time when applying, read the questions and use as many real life examples as possible, it doesn't matter if you haven't had much experience but its always good for them to know you are a rounded individual which is what they are looking for, the assessment day is intense and difficult at times, but take your time and be yourself and it will all work out, don't try and be someone you are not as they will see straight through it!