Apprentice Project Manager Review

My role at TFL involves both learning towards my level 4 qualification and learning and gaining experience on the job. as an apprentice project manager I shadow the project manager of various projects and assist with their work. this varies depending on the project you work on but at tfl you are mainly doing exactly what a project manager does.

by taking part in the apprenticeship I have definitely developed both soft and technical skills. I have become more confident as this is necessary in the workplace and at the same time my communications skills has improved. I have improved my networking skills and then on the technical side I have learnt a lot about project management and am able to apply it in the workplace.

I have only begun the programme in September so it would be unfair for me to give an overview of the entire programme, what I can say is that I have definitely learnt a lot and have been given a lot of opportunities to improve myself. I think one of the best things about TFL is that you can dictate what you do and how you work.

the programme is 2 years long, every 6 months all the apprentices move around and change placements. this means they move to another part of the organization within TFL. this ranges from London Underground to Surface Transport and even huge projects like crossrail. the first 2 placements are randomly selected and then you are able to choose where you go for your last two.

the support from the employer and staff is great. if anyone needs any help there are plenty of options to go and address the problem. everyone has a dedicated sponsor who will support you throughout the two years of the scheme. and also regarding your qualification you are assigned a skills coach who you can get support form as well.

regarding your qualification you are assigned a skills coach who you can get support form as well. you can contact your college tutor for help with assignments or even portfolio work. also there are a lot of second year and ex apprentices who are always willing to help with college work.

the qualification that I am doing teaches me how to do project management in the industry, every organization will have small tweaks and personal ways of managing projects but in general my work has gone hand in hand with my office work. the best part is the qualification can be used internationally.

there are loads of extra curricular activities to get involved in and to join, there are groups such the graduate and apprentice group which hold events and site visits for everyone to go on. also there are extra curricular activities such as football, badminton and tennis. anyone can set a new one up and invite people to come aswell.

Yes

1. good experience - the movement around the company gives a broad experience 2. good salary - competitive and goes up when you roll off 3. good opportunities - loads of opportunities 4. good company - good work ethic and family culture 5. good benefits - free travels and loads more 6. loads of help 7. well structured scheme

some of the best tips to anyone applying to TFL would be to do some work experience in the field you are applying for, it doesn't need to necessarily be with TFL but if you could it would be better. also take part in extra curricular activities in school and show leadership skills.