Project Management Trainee Review

I am completing the L4 Apprenticeship in Project Management. I am currently completing my first placement and am working in the Project Management Office (PMO) as a PMO Assistant. This consists of offering support, challenge and scrutiny to those involved in the delivery of the Project. My day to day activities include: organising and preparing material for meetings, facilitating meetings including taking actions and minutes, offering support and guidance on processes, reviewing reports and liaising with a variety of stakeholders.

Yes, I have developed my computer skills through day to day use of computer programmes. As part of my course I have also completed a workshop on leadership skills which has helped me to build emotional intelligence and work on my personal brand. I am also working towards the APMP qualification as part of my apprenticeship which is a recognised Project Management qualification. My confidence has also increased since I have had to ask questions and deliver presentations in front of lots of highly qualified colleagues.

I enjoy the programme because it gives me opportunities that I would not have access to in a normal role. I have been placed with a good company who I enjoy working for and am stationed with friendly colleagues forming part of a productive team. The support available to me has exceeded my expectations and I enjoy working towards a recognised qualification. The only limiting factor has been the lack of information regarding the structure of the scheme (i.e organisation of placements) and the work which has to be completed. The lack of clarity surrounding the required work was quite unsettling at times since I did not feel I had enough information to complete what was expected of me.

I feel extremely valued by Lloyds Banking Group. I have a strong relationship with my line manager who regularly gives me feedback and invests time and effort into my development. I have also been recognised by a senior Programme Manager for my work on a particular presentation, the fact that a senior colleague took the time to send me a personalised email with feedback and tips for improvement made me feel extremely valued.

I don't feel the programme is as structured/organised as it could be. I wasn't aware that we moved to different placements during the scheme and still have very little information on how this works. Apart from an initial guidebook including brief summaries of the work that was expected, we were given very little guidance on what work had to be done and how it should be completed. This led to myself and a few other colleagues falling behind early on in the apprenticeship which was quite a worrying experience. However, I do feel that the structure and organisation of courses and training has been very good and I have enjoyed this side of the scheme.

I receive information and support materials regularly and have access to a wide variety of supporting documents which help me in my studies. These are available online and, with the exception of a few technical difficulties, have been very easy to access. However, I would benefit from more personalised support. I don't feel like I have had enough 1:1 sessions with my training provider to give me personalised feedback on the work I have been completing. I am therefore unsure if the work I am submitting is to a sufficient quality.

I receive a lot of support from my employer in various different ways. My line manager holds regular catch ups to ensure I am getting on okay and is very approachable when I have any queries. I have been assigned an apprenticeship mentor/buddy who has been extremely helpful with certain questions I have asked. When looking for help or support, I have found all colleagues to be approachable and willing to offer guidance.

I think the salary is extremely good for an apprenticeship scheme, particularly once the extra rewards have been included.

Yes, Lloyds Banking Group are very keen on extra-curricular activities and host lots of initiatives and schemes for colleagues to get involved in.

Yes

Lloyds Banking Group are a great company to work for. I feel valued and supported every day at work, I am given the flexibility to work from home and am trusted to work independently without being micro-managed. There are many excellent benefits for working for Lloyds which you can take advantage of as a colleague and the sheer size of the organisation means you get to meet and work with lots of different people from very diverse backgrounds. I have enjoyed my time with Lloyds so far and look forward to building my career with the Group.

I think when applying for apprenticeship or trainee schemes it is important to remember that employers are not looking for the finished article. They are not looking for a candidate who knows everything about Project Management or who has lots of knowledge about the company. They are looking for someone who has the skills and behaviours to succeed in this working environment. Knowledge can be learnt as there are so many learning opportunities at Lloyds. It is important to focus and demonstrate your skills and behaviours when applying for a role.