Project Management Degree Apprentice Review

Depends really, you have Project Control (PC) roles, or Project Management (PM) roles. The PC roles consist of cost & spend tracking, EVM, Risk & Ops etc. You consolidate large amounts of information into packs that can be reviewed by senior members. PM consists of making decisions based on the information presented by project control, but also work to manage the project through reviews and status updates with key functions. However, because of the size of BAE Systems, it really just depends on where you end up. PC has multiple roles dependant on business area, you could be a scheduler, a risk profiler, a CAM or Project team. PM is just the same, so its hard to give an overview because it depends on the role under the umbrella statement 'Project Management'.

Definitely learned a lot in the placement. I think because of the variety of placements in the business, you are always learning new skills. New skills consist of specific toolsets within the business that probably wont be useful outside the business. Developed skills consist of mainly tools like Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel. These tools are used a lot, and the amount you can learn in Excel is phenomenal.

Simply put yes. But it really depends if you are comfortable realising what you enjoy and what you don't about specific jobs. You are on this scheme for 5 years, i learnt that i enjoyed doing X but really hated doing Y, i reflected this back to the very supportive scheme managers, and they supported me by choosing a role more suitable for myself. I had a great role where I enjoyed waking up and going to work. However, fail to mention what you dislike, or that you are not currently enjoying your year long role, then of course you will not enjoy the programme. College is a different story, its a hit or miss for some. Teachers are likable to some, and hated by others. I personally like college, nice chilled day away from Work, and getting an education in a (semi) formatted way.

I would like to say it is very organised and structured on the work front. It keeps changing recently, but that's more because of the government changes to the apprentice requirements. However, the structure is there and it is well broadcasted. College is not greatly structured. But it works.

Too much support, don't think i have ever been turned down support when i needed it. And it is dealt with professionally and also friendly at the same time. The scheme managers will try their best to make sure all their apprentices are happy with their current positions, this element of support is 10 stars.

College support could be better at times, there seems to be always problems closer to due dates where support is hit or miss. There are times where a week before submission, a teacher will say 'I've seen a few assignments already, and i think a lot of you have focused on X and not Y. Well, I'm looking for Y' and you have to scramble to change the assignments you spent 20+ hours on.

Most people reference the APM in work, which was a separate thing to the Degree. The Degree seems to be developing into a qualification i can put down on paper that i got. So honestly, not that useful to what you just learn on the job. The only qualifications you need for this job is the APM, the degree just helps being employable and better positions. The theory is not realistic in the workplace.

Yes, there are quarterly reviews, and the apprentices also set up events and gatherings for other apprentices. There is a yearly ball that are for all the apprentices. Personally i do not attend these, but they are there for the people that do. The professional networking events happen very infrequently, but are available to people that want them.

Yes

I will make a list of reasons why: Great salary - ( increases yearly around 6-9% based on performance) Great Support - (Will always help you achieve the best for yourself) Great Opportunities - ( Chances to work overseas during placements, I.e Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey etc) Paid Degree - ( no point paying for one if you can get it while getting paid a good salary) Great social - ( i have made great friends on the scheme i am currently on) The only reason i wouldn't recommend is if they really hate excel...

If you are applying to BAE Systems, make sure that you consider others opinions during any group interviews, and take them onboard. Only contributing your own opinions and plans may seem like you are being the best candidate, but it may be potentially worsening your chances. Stop, listen to others, then comment on their ideas, and if you think you have a better solution, then bring it forward.