Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

My role involves stakeholder management, looking at spreadsheets and collating information, communicating with different people at different levels in the business, as well as carrying out risk and quality management activities. I also use different software tools to help manage projects, and report on the progress of the projects being managed.

I have learnt lots of new software skills such as teamcenter, p6, SAP, and improved my Microsoft skills such as excel. I have developed my existing skills in communication and am now more comfortable and confident when communicating to different stakeholders throughout the business no matter what level they are.

I do enjoy my programme a great deal but it depends on the placement that I am in. some placements are brilliant and I am very busy and love, however some are not as good and are a lot quieter and can sometimes be boring and you may feel like a burden as an apprentice.

The programme is generally well structured but we are on a new apprenticeship standard for project management and therefore it is not very structured how we are going to carry out our end point assessment and there is quite a lot of uncertainty around completing that at the end of the time.

We receive a great deal of support form our employer in our different management lines such as line manager, placement manager, discipline manager and your mentor. there are also various support groups in the business you can contact or go to if you are looking for extra support which is great.

The support we receive from our training provider is sufficient when doing our qualifications. for our degree we have several points of contact we can go to, however they can sometimes be slow replying to emails or queries on assignments. However I recognise that at higher education level it is more independent learning and study.

I feel my qualification greatly helps me to perform better in my role because it provides me with a broad range of knowledge on project management which can then be applied to my work. It helps me understand conversations ongoing such as in meetings and also helps me use software such as Microsoft project.

In work we can complete STRETCH assignments which is projects outside of our normal work and can include STEM activities and going around local schools, as well as activities promoting the business and apprenticeships, and other projects involving the local area. there are also professional networking events often held here.

Yes

The apprenticeship scheme is a great way to learn and get your qualifications, whilst you also learn in the workplace and gain experience, and you can apply the knowledge you learnt to the job. There are lots of great opportunities in the company and lots of possible career paths and progression routes.

Make sure you make your application as interesting as possible, and try and get in placements doing things that you enjoy. If you are in a placement you don't like and feel you are not getting any development from do not be afraid to speak out about it as management will support you.