Apprentice Project Manager Review

When I arrive at work, I usually spend about 15mins checking emails and getting a list together for the day ahead. Then I spend a few minutes catching up with the rest of the team to see what the key activities need to be completed that day. I often have a few meetings each day, as I currently work on several projects. I then need to complete my actions from the meetings, this could be anything from a site visit to writing a key document. I try and complete some college work each day, as this is the method that suits me best.

I have definitely learnt a lot, at currently I have only been with the company 5 months. In the first 3 or so months I learnt a lot about the business as a whole and then how the project management aspect of the business works, and what management system they use. I have also learnt a lot about how to work with different stakeholders, as where I have been working on several projects I have to communicate with a wide range of people.

I really wanted to work for TfL from when I first saw their apprenticeship scheme. I feel that it is such a diverse company and there are so many areas of the business I could end up working in. Another reason I also selected this company is that I knew it took on several apprentices, and I was worried that by not going to university I would lose out on the social aspect. But with so many apprentice not just on my scheme, there is always someone to go to lunch with!

I believe this programme is very well structured, this is because we are now the sixth intake of apprentices. We have four placements over the two year scheme, each lasting 6 months. This allows us to see lots of different areas of the business, which will help when we want to roll off the scheme. Also instead of one day at college a week, every six weeks we go to college for the week. I think this a lot less disruptive and makes the weeks more focused.

The employer and all the employees are extremely helpful. They know that we are apprentices and that we might require extra support, especially when we start a new placement and everything is new. They also know that we need time to complete all our college work and they accommodate this well. We are also all given a mentor within the company (usually a senior manager) who will help guide us through the scheme and provide us with the individual support we need.

Everyone is given a skills coach, who is your training mentor. We have regular meetings with them, where we can discuss any issues with the college work or even with in the placements we are in. They also have access to the learning area we have and can review the work we have submitted and provide feedback. They can also be contacted between meetings if you have an other issues you want to discuss.

The qualification gives you knowledge which you can take back to the work place and put into practice in your area. The learning is more generalised, which allows you to then adapt and apply to different business, as they regonside that every organisation is different. We also complete qualifications that aren't just recognised in the UK but world-wide. So this opens up so many more opportunities for us.

There are several activities through out the business. There are social groups for certain people e.g. Women and LGBTQ+. In my current placement there are sessions called learning lunches, where different areas of the business come in and give talks about their area and how we can work together to get more efficient productivity. This also allows for time for networking. There are also sport teams and classes such as yoga at lunch times.

Yes

It is an excellent company to work for, the balance between work and life is amazing. Everyone that I work with is extremely friendly. I have been given all the support I have asked for and more. I find the work extremely interesting, and there is such a variety of work on offer, no two days are ever the same. The benefits that the company provide are a lot more than a lot of other companies, which is a major bonus.

Research the company as this will help when filling applications and if you are successful for a interview. There is a series of stages to complete before you get to the interview process, so don't lose hope, as many people apply so it does take some time to read all the applications. Also, as cliché as it sounds - just be yourself when you complete the application, the company wants a diverse range of people, with different intrests.