Project Management Apprentice Review

The role changes on a year by year basis, enabling you to experience work on different platforms and in various areas. The various roles carry different responsibility which range from managing people and resources, the manufacture of aircraft parts, building schedules etc. You are embedded within the teams and given great responsibilities to help during your time in that area

Over the first 13 months of my apprenticeship, the skills and knowledge that I learnt and developed over this time has continued to increase. My communication and team working skills have improved massively due to the situations that I have been in within roles. I have been able to really develop my Project Management skills as a result of both on the job training and the University Course which the Company pays for me to complete.

The programme is fantastic. It allows me to work side by side with experienced project management professionals to help develop myself in the work place, whilst also giving me the support required to ensure that I develop as a person and progress with my university studies. Being a part of a multinational organise yet working so close to the actual product makes the work exciting.

The programme has been required to change recently to align with the Government Level 6 Standard. This has been challenging for all involved to ensure that everything is included in the course, but the team has ensured that it has been a smooth transition through the changes. There are regular meetings between apprentices, the scheme and college to work together to ensure that the scheme is effectively for everyone.

The support from my employer is second to none, whether this be support from my scheme managers or support from my line / job manager. All are willing to help and support, whether I need support with college and assignments, scheme requirements such as meeting competencies or I need support with the current job.

The support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications is great. My tutor is regularly in contact, whether this be in regards to exams, assignments or coursework, sending through additional information (eg. links, videos, articles etc.) that may help us achieve our desired grade. There are also multiple services available to us at college, away from our tutor, to assist with the work for our qualification.

The qualification, provided through my training provider, enables me to gain the knowledge and understanding of project management that I require to perform in my role. It lays the foundations to further progress and learn in the workplace. The programme of study is integrated with the competencies which I am required to achieve in the workplace, so this makes the knowledge and skills easily transferrable between both the workplace and my qualification

Yes, throughout my time on there scheme there has been multiple extra-curricular activities which have been available for me to get involved with. Between those on the scheme, there a regularly sports matches and tournaments (football and netball), there are also matches against groups from other schemes within BAE Systems. Away from sports, there are also many events to be involved in as an apprentice, such as Open Day / Evening, STEM Days, Apprentice Networking Events, Quarterly Reviews with Senior Management etc. Such opportunities allow us to meet up away from our day-to-day roles to help assist the business in some way or another

Yes

Since the day I joined BAE Systems I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment, whether this be in one of the roles I have experienced so far, the days with my training provider or doing the extra-curricular activities which have been available during my time so far. BAE Systems offers a fantastic opportunity to work, learn and earn, with excellent working opportunities that are not on offer at the majority of other companies. The support and drive from the organisation to help you be the best, both in work and when working towards your qualification, is exceptional. Even though I am an apprentice, I am still made to feel valued and important by those in the organisation.

When applying, make sure you have read up on the apprenticeship you are applying for and on BAE Systems as a whole. Understand the variety of markets that the company is currently in and where we trade. When applying, try to get your own personality across in the application. Take as many of the practice tests as possible so that you feel comfortable before completing the ones on the application and TAKE YOUR TIME.