Project Management Degree Apprentice Review

Project management including tracking schedules and actions, creating reports and engaging stakeholders

On the job I've learnt many new skills - both technical and softer including project management specific software like MSP and leadership and communication skills. At university I've also learnt a lot of skills including critical thinking and academic writing skills and I've also gained a lot of theoretical knowledge which I can apply to my job.

I really enjoy my programme. We do 5 year-long placements over the duration of the scheme and I really appreciate the fact that during this time I'm able to move around the business to get a really broad view of how different areas work and how everything fits together.

The programme is still fairly new (around 5 years old) and so there were a lot of teething issues with training providers and scheme structure etc. that are to be expected with a new course. However the programme leads are very responsive to feedback and are always working hard to improve the learner journey so the programme has become a lot more organised in the latter years.

We receive a lot of support from our employer with learner development reviews happening every 12 weeks to ensure we're still on track and getting enough development opportunities. We also have performance development reviews twice a year to see how we're performing against our objectives and our programme leads run monthly forums for the learners to share programme and business updates and keep everyone informed.

We've recently moved to the University of Portsmouth and the quality of teaching and support we receive from them is very good. We have student reps that are constantly engaged by the faculty to ensure that the learners are benefiting from the course and content and the course leaders are always seeking and acting on student feedback.

Our lecturers are always encouraging us to use work-based examples when discussing theory and are all from industry backgrounds so can demonstrate with real-life examples. This really helps us to understand the real world application of our qualification content which in turn improves our understand of - and performance in - the workplace.

We're encouraged to undertake 'stretch assignments' which are activities or projects outside of our day jobs/ qualifications to broaden our workplace experiences. We're encouraged to join our professional bodies and attend conferences and networking events and to become STEM ambassadors and help out in our local communities.

Yes

They are really committed to developing well-rounded members of staff through the level of investment they commit to training and stretch assignments. The scheme leads are very supportive and the amount of opportunities available in terms of placements is very broad. Good performance is also rewarded consistently through awards and recognition.

Make sure you fully research the business area you want to go into and why. Have a good understanding of the products and services offered by BAE Systems and how large scale businesses work. Ensure that you display a strong work ethic and team-working and people skills.