Associate Project Manager Review

Supporting the development of the portfolio, working on projects across departments and ensuring the sufficient progress in relevance to the constraints set on multi-million pound science projects. This included chairing, minuting meetings. Chasing progress and ensuring that deadlines are met within the constraints. Managing project plans/schedules updating project documentation

I have learnt an abundance of new skills, all of which support me in my development and will support me in my future career opportunities: Soft Skills: People management Analysis and problem solving Good organisational skills Good workload and time management Dedicated, driven and always on task Very confident communication (written and oral) Ability to promote and adapt to changing cultures and environment Strong negotiation and ability to persuade Technical Skills: ISO9001:2017 APM project management tools, techniques, practises and processes STFC Safety Policies MS Word, MS PowerPoint, SharePoint, MS Excel, MS project, MS Access

I have significantly enjoyed the programme, establish new skills and developing my learning and career opportunities has helped me develop both inside and out the work place. The programme, has developed into somthing that means I can apply my daily work to what I am learning and my end point assessment is working towards and therefore the two complement one another

As the programme was in it's second ever cohort there were a number of teething issues, with a lack of structure and plan. However, as the programme has progressed the structure has become much more comprehensive and driven, with new skills coaches who are driving us towards not only our programme goals but also career goals

Lots, my line manager supported us throughout the programme. Helping with issues and queries whenever required. During the programme we also got an apprentice coordinator, this meant that any issues we were experiencing as a result of the new programme were dealt with sufficiently and effectively. The role of the coordinator was able to take issues higher than we as delegates were able to

The learning sessions were very spaced out, only attending the training company once every 2-3 months. The skills coaches have however visited once monthly and often review work submitted online. The qualification was spread over 3, 2 day blocks this meant that the support was not really consistent but I would say sufficient.

From achieving the APM qualification I was able to go on and secure a job within another department as a result of this. In my new role I am now a project manager of my own projects and the qualification supports me daily in the production of project documentation and the way in which I manage my projects

There is a WiSTEM network, which is a networking group for all staff to get involved with, there is also the gym and gym classes, I myself have joined the couch to 5K and also outreach activities and events that staff are able to get involved with. There is also an apprentice group/forum meaning we can all share our experiences

Yes

The company has been nothing but accommodating, I have grown as an individual through the support of my fellow employees and my mentors. The ability to work flexibly suits me as it means that I can have the work - life balance that I desire, I have also had the opportunity to experience things I never thought I would

That even if you are not science based, or have a high knowledge of science if you enjoy working with complex projects in an environment working towards future possibilities, this is not something to miss out on. I am a woman working in STEM from a non-STEM background and this is something that each day amazes me.