Project Management higher apprentice Review

I work within Project Controls, which helps to support various area of a project. Over the two year programme I will have placements in each of the departments within project controls: Portfolio reporting, Estimating. Panning and will do one placement which is outside of Project Controls Cost. So far this has been very beneficial as it has meant that I have gained an understanding and appreciation of what each team does within Project Controls.

Coming in to the apprenticeship I had a very limited understanding on project and how they are managed. During my time here I have not only had training which has increased my knowledge of the theory of how a project is managed but I have also had some first hand experience of this theory being put into practice.

So far I have really enjoyed the programme, the main reason for this is the way it is structured. From my first day I have been given a schedule detailing the next two years and what is planned on the programme. As well as this the balance between time in the office and time doing training has been good as it has allowed me to get settled in within the team as well as developing my knowledge of what I have been learning in the office when I have training and the same in regards to applying what I learn in the office when I am on training.

From my first day I was given a schedule which detailed what was happening week by week of the programme which is updated with any changes which has been great as it means that if I am ever unsure when my next placement starts or when I am next on training I know that I can always refer to the schedule.

I receive as much support as I require, this is due to the fact there are a number of support channels available. I have my line manager who will support me through the whole programme; placement manager who is assigned when I move from placement to placement and programme manager.

I have one week of training every month, which is training in support of the APM exam and also helps towards completing the portfolio which is required to complete the qualification. As well as this I have been assigned a skills coach who visits my workplace every few weeks to check how I am progressing with my portfolio and offer any support that I may require.

The qualification I am working towards helps me perform better in my role for a number of reasons. In general the training I have received has developed my basic understanding of the various stages and processes of project management which puts the role of the team I am a part of into context. As well as this through training I have gained a greater understanding of the reason certain jobs are done and the benefit of these jobs.

Yes, there are a number of sports team to get involved in as well as a committee set up to help new starters by offering a number of events to get involved in such as networking events with the opportunity to meet with a number of managers from across the business.

Yes

After working here for a few months it becomes clear that there are endless opportunities to progress within the business and there are a number of people who have been at National Grid for years. As well as this the more people you speak to, the more you realise that many have been on similar schemes in the past including managers, which suggests that once people come off scheme they do not tend to leave the business but instead progress through the business into high standing roles.

Although the application process may seem grueling initially, it is definitely worth it if you are successful and you will see the benefit of this process in the people you come across while working at the business. As well as this the opportunities that the scheme offers makes the process worth it.