Project Manager Assistant Review

On the apprenticeship as an assistant project manager, no day would be the same, as things moved very fast on a large-scale change programme. However, it would mean that I would get to regularly interact with all different levels of seniority, from peers to director-level. Even though things changed regularly, you could be expected to monitor your own project by recording risks and issues that your project may face, and obtain updates from colleagues on different activities. I would also create packs on a weekly basis that recorded the status of the project, and what RAG it is for its progress and readiness to implement leading up to the event.

Throughout the apprenticeship, I gained the APM level 4 qualification, which is a recognised qualification in project management. I enjoyed undertaking it alongside the day role, as I could use my day-to-day experiences to understand the learning. Also, I have been on personal learning courses, which helped me to identify the ways in which I work, and how to manage colleagues who may not necessarily work in the same way. This was very useful, as it means I should be able to work with all different colleagues, as I know which communication methods works well with different personalities. I have also enhanced my time-management and stakeholder management skills since completing the apprenticeship, as I had many different stakeholders to engage with on a regular basis, and meet their expectations.

I really enjoyed my programme, as it lasted the whole time I undertook my apprenticeship, and therefore I got to see it to the end. There was a real team atmosphere within the programme, but there were also opportunities to undertake work independently, which meant you got the best of both worlds. I think my programme exceeded my expectations, as I was always trusted to undertake work that I hadn't completed before, and hence was very grateful for the team who trusted me to do it.

I feel very valued at LG, as there are always opportunities to raise your concerns, and I feel like these concerns are always taken seriously and actioned within a timely manner. Also, there are many different opportunities for colleagues to show their appreciation for the work you do, in terms of internal recognition, and therefore I felt like this was maximised by the team to show they were appreciative of the work you had done.

I felt like our programme was very well structured, as there was always the support there should we need it whilst studying. There was also a 3 day induction, which meant that the team really outlined what the programme was going to entail, and how we could maximise the most out of the programme. I also find at LBG that there is a great mentoring system, which means you can always gain an outside opinion to any of the issues you may face, which I definitely used. It was clear who the escalation points were should we require them, and therefore it was well organised. Also, the programme has taken on board our scheme's feedback for the next cohort, so it is continually improving.

I felt like the support received by the training provider was dependent on the individual, but was there if it was required. They didn't overstep, which meant we could learn in the BAU day job without worrying about the apprenticeship scheme itself, which I found was the best way to learn. However, when it came close to exam times, I found my assessor was always on hand should I have any questions regarding my practice questions, which was a relief to have that kind of support when it was required.

I received plenty of support from my employer, as I found everyone was really willing to help me gain as much experience as possible to learn. I was very lucky with the team I was with, as they gave me the opportunity to prove myself and learn as much as possible, whilst also giving me time when necessary to complete my apprenticeship. They were so supportive and I really felt appreciated within my team.

As advertised on the job description, there was a competitive salary which I definitely would say is true. It can cover the costs of living and travel considering we work in central London, and I found there is enough for a good social life, considering this was just an apprenticeship. However, they work you hard over the scheme, and therefore the salary meets this. Also, I have found that the employer provides additional bonuses to the package, such as private medical care, which is useful.

I have found that LBG are really supportive of any additional activities that occur outside of work, as they have a real focus on work/life balance. They promote wellbeing within the workplace, and are open to agile ways of working - which I think everyone can benefit from, whether you have children or not, which is a misconception. Also, LBG really appreciate any voluntary charity events and everyone is supportive of these, which is nice to know your workplace appreciates you giving back to the community. I used to be involved with my local school once a week, which LBG supported.

Yes

I think they are a really inclusive place to work, and will work hard to help everyone succeed in their day-to-day roles. Since it is such a large organisation, I think there is always the opportunity to grow and to learn new skills, and therefore always develop more. I have found they really care about their employees, and will try to act upon their feedback.

If anyone is thinking of applying to LBG, I would ask them to consider what they have done to go the extra mile, and then apply this in their interview. Everybody can say they have done the day-to-day roles, but what can you have over the edge of everybody else, such as helping to organise a charity event, or supporting your local schools. I think this is a underestimated skill, as it shows you are capable of doing more than the ordinary. I would also say you should always succeed to get the most out of every opportunity provided to you, and your hard-work will show through.