Project Manager Apprentice Review

I am curently working as a Project Controller in Support Products for my first year placement at BAE Systems. On a day-to-day basis I monitor the work of the training team and track the contracts' progress- ensuring the team doesnt overspend. I am also responsible for carrying out weekly meetings which identify problems and actions against any issues. Furthermore, Im also involved in stretch assignments e.g. take your son/daughter to work day. This provides me the opportuinty to take a project from start to finish and network with my peers.

Within work I have been building my foundation knowledge on the Project Management function. I have been focusing on the phases of the Life Cycle Management process (LCM) and being in a working environment makes it easy to visualise the concept. Additionally, I have been attending University to gain an Honours Degree in Project Management. I am also studying for my Association of Project Management Qualification (APMQ) which I am due to complete in June this year.

The work I am given is interesting aswell as challenging. The team I have around me supports me with the work I do and are always happy to answer my questions. Both of my managers are very helpful and easy to get along with. Working at the company surpasses my expectations. Working along side a runway allows me to see the planes we produce take off which is an added joy of working for the company.

My programme is extremleywell structured and thought out. Firstly, I had a two week induction allowing me to develop my network of friends with other apprentices and getting a grasp of the wokring life before being thrown in at the deep end. I also have regular 1-1 with my tutors and managers on top of my 12 week reviews to ensure I am happy and satisfied with my workload. Support is also really good, we have a diversity/inclusion team and helplines we can ring regarding well being an dmental health.

Everyone is very supportive and happy to help with any issues. I have bi-weekly 1-1s with my managers to talk about my workload and my general wellbeing. I also have 12 week reviews which track how Im doing and provides me the opportunity to voice any of my concerns. We also have dedicated well-being teams that i can directly contact e.g. diversity/inclusion team, mental health helpline and various support groups e.g. disability, women empowerment and LGBT groups. I have also recently been given a mentor who helps me with my career prospects and any underlying issues i dont wan to speak to my managers about.

I have regular meetings with my tutor regarding my work in class and my assignments. They also have a well being team at the University for any issues outside of the classroom. Im always given feedback to improve my grades on work I do so im always developing my written skills. I enjoy going to Uni especially as its a more relaxed environemtn than college was with more independent work being done.

My degree aligns directly with the work I do on a day-to-day basis meaning its easy to visualise the things I learn in a real environment. I often learn a cocnept in the classrooom and then later complete work on a project using the theory that I have learnt so I think Uni is very beneficial.

Since starting at the company I have undertaken 2 strech assignments which is work slightly outside of the box. I have also helped to organise a Halloween event in my office and there is a bake sale being done in a few weeks to raise money for help for heroes. I have played at BAE Systems and Im also a meber of the gym at Samlesbury.

Yes

Since starting at the company all my expectations have been surpassed. I enjoy coming to work and I get along really well with all my team. I feel like I am geniunly contributing to the success of my department and Im always included. The work is schallenging and interesting and I can always get help when I am stuck. Also, the planes manufactured make it a really interesting role to talk about and seeing them take off is the icing on the cake.

Take alot of time on your application. There are thousands of applicants so those who have dedicated effort into their applications and its content will stand out. I would also recommend attending an open evening. I went to one at the ASK Centre in Samlesbury and it gave me a good idea of what role I wanted to do. Id also suggest doing some research into the planes currently being manufactured and future technologies as it shows you have a real interest into what the business acheives. Finally, if you do get onto an assessment day I would do alot of preperation and make the most of the opportunity. Its a difficult process but if successful then you will be working for the best companies in the world for apprentices.