Project Manager Review

My role is as a Project Management higher apprentice. Due to the nature of this scheme, my role changes on a year by year basis so I get exposure to as much of the business as possible. My job role can be either project management based or project controls based. This can involve reporting, meeting with stakeholders, and organising events. As well as this there are many opportunities to do activities external to placement, which allow you off the job training.

The training we are provided is excellent. The apprenticeship is broken down into 2 elements: the apprenticeship, and a degree. The apprenticeship element trains us on a project management methodology, and the degree element allows us one day a week out of placement to study for a foundation and eventually bachelors degree.

The people are nice to work with and you get a lot of opportunities to learn something new about the business. It's very good if you know that project management or project controls is the career you want to go into in the future.

They really like to hear the opinions of apprentices as because we are new and have a fresh perspective we can contribute new ways of working.

When you join the company you have a week long induction to welcome you to the company and provide you some information on the way that we work. Training days are delegated early on and will be communicated down by the scheme manager so you are well aware, and also your placement manager is well aware. Every new apprentice is provided a 'buddy' from the older intakes of apprentices and a senior mentor from within the business. Each placement lasts a year to ensure you full understand the role you are in, but you then get a chance to move off into another project.

The tutor is always available to contact at any time you need to for the degree element, as he is delegated to teach only BAE Systems apprentices. The higher apprenticeship element is well structured so you block out large periods of time from your calendar to meet with your instructor for the exam all at once, but again can contact them anytime. On top of this we also have a skills coach to help us make sure we are fully meeting the criteria we need to achieve to make it through the apprenticeship.

Everyone is very supportive of the apprentices in the company and we are given plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

This was one of the highest paid apprenticeships I found when looking.

Yes we have the opportunity to take on stretch assignments which can be internal or external to the company. These can be conferences, careers fair, competitions and several other events.

Yes

They care about the apprentices and their development and provide plenty of opportunity to get involved and move around the business to see what goes on in each business stream. On top of this all the managers are well trained on how to treat an apprentice and the only people who are allowed an apprentice are the people who actively demonstrate that they are interested in the individuals career development.

Research the company and what we do because often it will be more than people are aware of. Apply early and make sure you are aware of the sorts of responsibilities that will be involved in your role. Often the company will run open days to speak to apprentices and find out about their experience and they can tell you in a lot of detail what to expect from an apprenticeship with BAE Systems. And finally, make sure you have an understanding of the roles of a project controller and a project manager before applying because you could have a placement in either position.