Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

I am a Project Management Higher Apprentice, so my role day to day is never really the same. Currently my roles can range from data entry and analysis in a Project Controls context, to creating packs and minutes for project reviews, and managing my own small scale projects which can either be for the benefit of the business or people outside of the business.

Over the course of my apprenticeship I have gained, and am in the process of gaining a number of different qualifications, these include a Level 4 diploma in Project management, and a Foundation Degree in project Management. In addition to this I have had the opportunity to become a STEM ambassador through the business. Additionally all of the work conducted to date has meant that I have developed my soft skills too, around communication, managing people, conflict resolution etc.

This programme is exactly what I thought it would be, there is an awful lot of work to do, through the day to day tasks of being a prospective project engineer within the business, as well as studying for a degree and diploma simultaneously- however, there is an awful lot of support available to help if you start to struggle, whether that is through the college or through the business. I would say that I enjoy my programme a great deal, most of the time- ultimately, I move around the business every 4 months, to different placements, and some placements are better than others but overall it is a very enjoyable experience.

I would say that the most valued opinions that you get from this apprenticeship is not necessarily from your manager, but from the people you are working with day to day. My manager doesn't see me every day, so is very rarely aware of the work I am doing. However my placement manager and people I work with are able to feed back on progress and where to improve at a days notice. As long as the work completed is of high standard I feel as though I am valued, but if it isn't quite right, I get advice on how I can improve the work from my placement manager.

I would say that the induction, training and studying is in general very well organised. However there are 2 structures I fall under, one is Early Careers who manage the Apprenticeship side of the programme, and the other if the Project management side, who organise the placements, I would say that some more structure around how the placements are distributed would be of great benefit to everyone involved.

I find that the tutors at my college are all very supportive and ready to help if anything is needed. As far as guidance, when it comes to essays, reports and exams my training provider is as helpful as they can be, but there are certain things that they are not allowed to do, but they all have a great attitude towards support. If I were to say that there was one issue with the tutors it would be that no 2 of them seem to be able to agree on the best way to write an essay or assignment. Which can sometimes be confusing initially.

The companies attitude towards supporting me have been fine, in general there is nothing that I would be able to complain about. I have not had any dealings with or enquiries for the HR team so I cannot comment on how supportive they are. While a mentor has been provided for me, I have not used the mentoring scheme for over a year- however when I was using the system, the mentors were always happen to have a session with me and to provide me with a space to bounce ideas off of them.

I would say that my salary meets my costs nicely. The amount of money has meant that am able to pay for rent, a new car, as well as other bills and having nights out every weekend and still have money to spare usually at the end of the month. Housing is generally fairly cheap in the area, meaning that the salary goes a long way to paying for deposits and rent/ mortgages. Living locally meant that I do not need to spend much on travel - a maximum of £5 a week travel to and from work.

You do not have as many things to do here as you usually would somewhere like Manchester. However in the town there is a cinema, restaurants, parks to visit, the beach. And the town is a stones throw from the lake district, which is idyllic in Summer. There is also a fair number of pubs, clubs and bars in the town centre meaning there is always somewhere to unwind. If it gets old, then the train station has direct trains to Preston, Lancaster and Manchester.

Yes

BAE Systems has a reputation for providing good training, good wages and good opportunities for personal development. As well as being a generally inclusive space. It also is such a large employer that there are always opportunities to move around either within your own business unit, or to different units all over the country and the world. The wage is good, the people are friendly and the opportunities should not be missed.

For someone applying to BAE Systems I would make the following recommendations: -Research the company- BAE Systems is a massive company, which is based all around the world, each site with it's own unique purpose- ensure you know as much as you can about the business before your interview. -The application process includes interviews, aptitude tests, presentations and group tasks- so ensure that you practise as many of these techniques as you can before getting to the assessment day. -The first few days can be quite daunting, but you will settle in. - Apply yourself, and don't be scared to show off your achievements, you're at the interview to impress.