Project Management Apprentice Review

I carry out Six placements each six month long and based with someone from the integrated project team, I am currently within Project Controls and so shadowing a planner. The activities involved in this placement include; updating schedules, meeting with other members of the project team, Building schedules and Reporting project progress

I believe I have developing in confidence since starting my apprenticeship as by moving placements I meet a new team of people 6 months, this has also made me more adaptable to change. Furthermore I am required to work in various teams and so my team working skills have developed. There have been numerous opportunities where I have had the opportunity to chair meetings etc. and so I have developed my leadership skills

This apprenticeship is tough due to the fact I am required to work a full time job and succeed in a full time university course this makes it difficult to find a work - life balance. Although this aspect is challenging, overall the apprenticeship is rewarding. I enjoy the circulation of placements as it makes my apprenticeship exciting and gives me an appreciation of the whole project team

Being the trailblazer for the level 4 project management qualification meant that our first years lacked clarity and structure as when we started the apprenticeship areas of the course were yet to be developed and approved. Apart from this the practical side (day to day work) of my apprenticeship is clearly structured into 6 placements of six months and 1 year placement

My employer supports my development by allowing us to access various courses specific to our placement for example during my risk placement I was allowed to attend a training course on risk management. Support from line management is not always clear due to being in placements and so not seeing them everyday

When faced with issues regarding an examination complaints were made and the training provider took these on board and solved the issue. We are allocated a personal tutor and any help sought from the tutors via email is responded too in good time. The only lack of support would be where the university is based over an hours drive away and so we can only meet face to face with them once a week

Most of the course has provided me with knowledge on project management which can be applied in practice at work. Without the theory to support my practical work a lot of the information wouldn't make sense. The APM PMQ was done at the beginning of my course and has acted as a foundation to base all my further knowledge and experience on

I have attended some of the organisations internal networking events such as the PM forum and we are invited to local lectures carried out by the APM. Additionally I attended a weeks out of bounds course as part of the selection process for an apprentice lead team. Apart from this there aren't many activities to get involved in such as sports teams

Yes

Sellafield ltd have supported by development with various theory and practical opportunities. Furthermore this industry is individual to others which provides a unique experience and transferrable skills. Sellafield ltd have a wide range of apprentices and actively seeks feedback from them to learn, develop and improve courses for the future.

When asked for this advice by the apprentices applying I usually advise them to make sure they stand out for example by doing work experience in similar organisations or taking on roles in the school council. Not only is this a good discussion point for interviews but it gives a basic understanding and confidence before starting the apprenticeship