Project Manager Review

Daily Tasks/Responsibilities: - Resource management and reporting. - Project controls for the project (this includes dealing with risk management, overall reporting and schedule management). Daily Interactions: - Speak with the project team (finance, controls, manager, etc...) - other internal contacts across the country. All of these change on a year basis, so throughout the 5 years you'll experience different roles and projects; assisting in choosing a career path for yourself.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have developed myself both professionally and personally. Professionally, this apprenticeship has allowed me to experience working life and develop my work-life balance. Personally, this apprenticeship has allowed me to become more confident and competent in myself and the roles I've operated in. My IT skills have also improved through the use of software such as excel, this includes formula and macros.

The programme itself allows for us as individuals to develop ourselves; experiencing different roles and responsibilities to both assist in choosing our career path and what we would enjoy doing after the scheme. This variety helps keep the scheme interesting and engaging as you learn different ways that different managers and professionals work; effecting your working style for the better (normally). The only limit to this scheme is the placements available and how different they may be from one another.

The yearly placements is generally well structured and organised, with everyone swapping around at the start of the academic year. The handover between apprentices seems to be a little stressful but allows you to experience that element of the job. Academically the provider that BAE Systems currently uses can leave much to be desired. Communication can be poor between students and Blackpool and Fylde College. The availability of literature to help influence your assignments and learning is only available online, due to the distance in location. The lectures themselves can be a little irritating as it can only last a couple of hours with no benefit other than reading through a PowerPoint that is available through the college's moodle.

BAE provide a good platform for learning, both on the job and academically. Placement managers are made aware of the learning side of the apprenticeship and generally allow apprentices to study and complete some assignments during quite working periods. The Early Careers team provide the necessary support when it is needed or asked for. They sort issues out and provide advice where they think it's needed.

The support provided by Blackpool and Fylde can vary, at times can be beneficial and others not so much. Through the last 2-3 years my cohort has experienced a lack of consistency due to differing lecturers each semester bringing a different teaching style; confusing some of the cohort in lecture. Due to the distance, communication between Blackpool & Fylde and students can be poor, mainly due to how slow responses can be.

Some units have helped me gain a better understanding of certain subjects throughout my apprenticeship. These a mainly risk and finance related subjects as apposed to innovation as this focused on more inventions and was very subjective. Overall the material learnt and studied provided me with the ability to be more efficient and productive.

There are several events and activities available at and through work. There are STEM or Stretch activities which we can get involved in. These entail going to schools or open evenings to promote the scheme or run an educational activity. There are always professional networking events being run. Some of which are open invitation, whilst other are offered to those who've performed well or would benefit from the event.

Yes

The apprenticeship that BAE Systems offers has many benefits. Providing you work for it you will come out of it after 5 years with a paid honours degree in project managers whilst being paid. The support both professionally and personally provided is great and allows you develop and reach your full potential in this industry. You're also somewhat guaranteed a job after the 5 years, something that universities can't provide.

Take your time with the application form and know that the whole process can take longer than other jobs. If and when you're at the interview stage remember to be yourself and let those running the day see what you're capable of. Finally, research BAE Systems to impress those you speak to about your knowledge of the company.