Project Manager Degree Apprentice Review

I'm contracted to work 37 hours a week, spending one day (on average) at university. Currently I'm completing my first placement, out of 5, in the delivery side of Maritime Services. I carry out daily tasks such as running risk review meetings for ships projects, running metrics through our database, releasing and closing off NWAs (Network Activities) and keeping up to date on mandatory training. I'm interacting daily with ship staff, fellow team members in the COM, and the wider BAE network including stakeholders.

Being here only 5 months, I've gathered an array of skills. My communication skills have improved immensely. Liaising with varying stakeholders, of high importance, on a daily basis and fitting into a closely knit team has allowed for this improvement. From this my confidence has also improved, being thrown into leading team meetings and presenting tasks to my fellow employees. My knowledge of project management itself is developing well, combining what were learning in our placements and on our university course.

I'm loving working for BAE Systems. It's given me an insight into a different kind of industry and career choice that I wouldn't have thought of prior to this apprenticeship. The working environment is very friendly, and the apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations. The support I'm being given is perfect and everyone is focused on giving me the opportunities to gain the most out of my placement and my degree.

The programme is set out so each apprentice rotates, on a yearly basis, to a new area in the business. Where you go is based upon business needs and your current competency gaps; meaning by the end of my apprenticeship, I would've gathered a variety of experiences covering all major departments of BAE, as well as, gathering all the skills an behaviours needed to complete my apprenticeship to a high standard.

I've received a lot of support from BAE and the Early Careers team. My line manager has given me a lot of support, she's always willing to go the extra mile to ensure I understand what I'm tasked with and that I'm comfortable in the workplace. She's focused on my weaknesses, giving me additional support through training and opportunities to ensure I can improve these.

My training provider, the University of Portsmouth, provides us with a lot of support through lessons and resources. I feel there is no question I couldn't ask if I'm struggling. Each of my lecturers are easily contactable, and the university itself has additional support in IT and assignments, should I have problems getting in touch.

I feel the training I receive through the university bridges that gap between my knowledge in project management and how PM operates in the working environment. I can see first hand how concepts apply to the daily tasks I'm completing in the office and where I can bring in example of what I'm learning on the job into my studies to support my answers. Everything I have learnt so far has been really helpful towards my every day job role within the company.

BAE Systems provides a variety of activities that apprentices can get involved with, and really encourage us to do so. Examples of this are becoming a STEM Ambassador, representing the company and encouraging younger students to follow a career in STEM industry (through an apprenticeship or graduate scheme) by delivering presentations and organising competitions and activities for them. There are also chances to get involved in the APM Challenge, running schools challenge days and volunteer for local charities. Later on in the year there is an opportunity to go on Outward Bound. This is a fully paid week of work, spent in the Lake District, completing varying team building activities such as cliff jumping, gorge walking and raft building. Our year's OB is commencing this summer and it is something I am definitely looking forward to.

Yes

BAE Systems is an extremely reputable company, providing you with the opportunity to gain a higher qualification and real workplace experiences, whilst also getting paid. This puts you streets ahead of others your age, gaining years of quality experience and a qualification all in one, making you a key competitive target for various companies. With an opportunity to continue on at the business, post-apprenticeship, this wouldn't go a miss.

I would advise when applying to really take your time on the application, don't worry about submitting it early because all applications will be equally considered no matter when they were submitted. Ensure you show your interest in the company, mentioning their current projects/products/services and how they have inspired you to want to begin a career in BAE Systems. In regards to the interview, just ensure you are prepared, with your knowledge of the company, as well as your past experiences and how they have helped you/will help you during your apprenticeship. Ensure you make a good impression on the company employees and get involved in each activity. But also, don't forget to be yourself! The company is looking for a hard working, enthusiastic person they feel they can shape and someone who will work hard to achieve the course they're paying to put you on.