Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

I support project managers on the projects they are working on. I help manage schedules, risks, and project budgets. I also work with numerous engineers (on my site, as well as on others), with the MoD, and the Royal Navy. I have had many opportunities to go on tours of different naval ships, manufacturing sites, and labs with specialised equipment and systems, as well as attend a variety of internal and external events and meetings.

I've learned numerous project management-related skills in my apprenticeship. These include the management of risks, schedules, and stakeholders. I've also developed my communication, time management, networking, organisational, presenting, leadership, team working, problem solving, analysing, and critical thinking skills. These skills, as well as others not listed, are used on a regular basis and are continuously being improved over time due to the challenging and exciting projects you work on.

I enjoy my programme very much. It is very interesting and challenging, and has allowed me to develop professionally and personally. I have been able to make new friends through college and by meeting them during my placements in different project teams, obtain experiences (such as meeting and working with the MoD and the RN, and going on-board numerous vessels). I have also been involved in a range of different events and activities, which have allowed me to network with other apprentices and colleagues from all over the UK.

My programme is well structured; we are given one year placements where we are part of a project team, and support them in the work they are doing. This results in obtaining experiences in different parts of the business unit you are in, as well as more opportunities to network and meet new people from the company. It also keeps the work you're doing fresh, and allows you to learn more about the company, its processes, values, and objectives. The way our training development is structured is also done well and easy to understand. The programme is not very

I receive a lot of support from my employer, whether it is regarding my personal life, professional life, or student life. Some examples of the support they have given me since I have started are: Personal: - Continuously double checking on my mental and physical health, and ensuring that I am aware of the relevant company resources and contacts that are made available to me if I require it - Have assured me that the company will help, support, and step in if I have any troubles with my accommodation and landlord Professional life: - Regularly asks me if I require any additional support with my work - My work manager has made it clear that if I need any help with my work that he or any of my team members are available and will support if required - The early careers managers have made it clear that they will help and step in if I have any concerns in my current work placement Student life: - My manager has been accommodating and has taken my college assignments into consideration prior to giving me tasks in the office

The support from my training provider has been OK. The level of support I was expecting prior to starting my qualifications was not met, and the justification they provided when asked as to why they did not do certain things were, in my opinion, inadequate. The feedback we are given on our exams is non-existent, and the written feedback I receive on our assignments seem to be worded very similar to every one else's... There also seems to be a discrepancy between the information we receive from our tutor compared to the information we get from other individuals and sources. However, the one-on-one sessions we are given with our tutor are very effective and valuable, even if they only allow us only one per semester.

The knowledge gained through my training provider is very valuable, as it gives me the knowledge to understand why certain decisions my placement manager makes, as well as understand the terminology used in the workplace by my manager, team members and colleagues. Having the knowledge also helps boost my confidence whilst in the workplace, as I feel like I am able to make informed decisions when working on my tasks.

Yes, there is a sports association where anyone on my site can join and get together to play sports during lunch. The sports include badminton, running, and table tennis. There is also a group who play football together on a regular basis. There are many professional networking events that we are informed about via email when they are known by the early careers team. They ask you if you are interested in going, and will then organise any necessary travel and accommodation arrangements for you!

Yes

The pay is great for someone who just got out of 6th form. You are constantly challenged, having to think critically to solve problems you face on a day-to-day basis, engaging with your colleagues, and encouraged to look for ways to further develop yourself personally and professionally, whilst being reminded that they are there to support you and your career if you require it.

It isn't all about academics and grades. You do not have to be an A* student to be considered as a potential applicant. It is all about who you are, what you bring to the table, your experiences, your ideas, and what you want to achieve. Be yourself, be enthusiastic, be engaged!