Project Management Apprentice Review

Currently working in Programme Integration within the Qatar Typhoon Aircraft team. This involves leading risk and opportunities, Lifecycle Management, Licensing, Change Control, Dependencies and further support to the wider Typhoon team. Once a week I attend Blackpool and the Fylde College University Campus to study towards a Level 6 Honours Degree, which I will complete after 5 years.

I have learnt several new skills that I had no previous experience of from my previous education. I have developed an understanding and knowledge of risk and opportunities management, change control, lifecycle management, stakeholder management, configuration management, earned value management, change management, issue management, quality management, scope management, procurement and negotiation management.

Since joining in September 2018, I have thoroughly enjoyed the scheme so far. It has been a great start to my career as it has allowed me to build a foundation knowledge of project management through the degree learning whilst being able to apply this in a real life role where my contributions are felt and effective. I have also had the opportunity for international travel within this role, with the hope of more in the future.

I think there is a really good structure to the scheme, with excellent support within the workplace and through the scheme leads. There are regular reviews to check progress and the opportunity to raise any concerns, and also the regular placement moves is well structured and co-ordinated. However, the university aspect is far less structured, we have no consistency with tutors and there is often confusion with regards to assignments.

I think I receive a high level of support from my employer, across my placement, through the scheme leads and from a college aspect, despite the lack of consistent tutors. There is always the opportunity to ask for support and help through my line manager, to raise any concerns and improvements to the scheme leaders, and if there are any college concerns I am able to speak to the more senior tutors who are always around for support.

I believe I receive a lot of support from the training provider as although there has often been a lack of consistency with the teachers and sometimes a lack of clarity around assignments, there are still plenty of people to seek out with regards to support if I don't understand a topic, if I need any help with an assignment or the HELMS team as required.

I believe that the knowledge I gain from my training provider does help me to perform better in my role as it gives me some foundation knowledge that I can then carry forward into my day-to-day role. However, the reason I have not given 10 is because there is no substitute for experience, regardless of how much theory can be learnt.

Yes, there are plenty of activities to get involved in, for example there are groups such as a choir, sports teams such as football teams with regular matches and tournaments, badminton teams, a gym not far off site, and several groups for development such as the millennial think tank which I have attended.

Yes

BAE Systems is a highly prestigious and multi-national company who are at the forefront of the market that they operate in. From an early careers perspective, the opportunity to study towards a fully funded degree, to gain working experience over the five years and to receive a highly competitive salary is a great opportunity for anyone.

Tips that I would give for anyone applying for BAE is to do your research on the company before applying to understand the environment they operate in. It is also important to understand the function you wish to go into as this will be the career path you follow for the rest of your career. Confidence and belief in your own ability Is also important, as well as resilience.