Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

I support manufacturing operations in removing obstacles to build and planning and monitoring progress against the plan. A large extent of my work currently is developing appropriate reporting techniques to ensure the reporting measures provide value add to the operations team and benefit performance. I also have undertaken assessments on different build strategies to understand the impacts of doing so.

I have massively increased my understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes, primarily relating to the enablers of manufacturing and the process for setting these in place. I have also benefitted from understanding the process of undertaking assessments of different scenarios and sharing these, gaining endorsement before presenting a proposal for decision.

I enjoy my programme as it allows me to learn and develop in an environment that benefits me but also adds value to the organisation as I am directly supporting the organisations operations. However, the ability to do so as part of an apprenticeship allows me to feel protected by the support network established to increase my comfort to step outside my comfort zone.

The programme is well established and is therefore well structured. There is a plan for each placement and the days at college are well organised. The competencies required to be developed are clearly developed and these are linked to appropriate placements to maximise our ability to develop individually and gain these competencies.

I am an independent person and therefore feel that I do not require much support from my employer as I prefer to resolve challenges myself and through direct conversation with my management. However, I am confident that if required the support would be readily available as there are good processes in place.

We have regular tuition through our training provider who teaches us the content required for our qualification. There is specific time allocated to this but there is a requirement for additional work outside of work/college hours in order to meet the standards expected. College tutors feedback is normally quite quick but sometimes lacks quality.

It has taught me the knowledge and processes for dealing with different situations and activities within the workplace. I have then been able to apply these directly in the workplace in my day to day activities. Or, If not directly applying the skills, they have given me a base understanding to understand the concepts of colleagues tasks.

There was additionally mandatory stretch activities designed to encourage professional networking and increase social activities in the first two years of my scheme. These are now voluntary, but I still feel they are readily available and encouraged. The ability to choose to participate is great as if you are very busy in placement you can choose to not participate at certain times.

Yes

It is a good scheme working for a great organisation that works on some of the most exciting projects in the world. I feel there is a great future in the organisation for me as a result of this scheme and feel others would benefit from the same opportunities as me.

Apply as soon as possible and choose something you are interested in as although you will be working 4/5 of the time and only studying 1/5 of the time, the subject/field you join will be linked to your primary responsibilities on a day to day basis so make sure you enjoy it.