Project Management Apprentice Review

The role changes dependant on the project placement and team you are currently working in. It all falls under the Project Management umbrella but it does vary from bid work, process creation, presentation creation, reporting, customer liaison and subcontractor management. The placement is aimed at developing skills specific to a set competency list.

Throughout my time on the scheme I have developed a variety of skills related to Project Management along with others that are more generic. These include, understanding of schedules (for both bid and delivery), stakeholder management (both internal and external), presentation skills, risk management and the process behind bid work.

I enjoy the variety of opportunities available to apprentices and the ability to work in a challenging environment. In particular, I enjoy the type of projects that are available to gain experience on. Equally, I enjoy seeing how the industry I work has specific unique challenges that must be overcome. Ultimately, I see the main positive draw to the scheme of being able to earn whilst I earn.

Overall, I feel the programme needs to solidify and become consistent. This is purely based on the fact the scheme and programme has changed through my 3 years on it, the ideology is similar but the practical delivery has been tweaked. I feel it could improve by simply choosing a solution that works and keeping it rigid for a few years.

There are a lot of personal support and helplines available through the wider business, equally the early careers section has aimed to inform on the prevent programme etc. through discussion and detailing a process to be used in these scenarios. Apart from that the support is okay for the uni side of the scheme however this is more dependant on the provider.

The support is okay but could be improved, the delivery specifically is good and has improved over the 3 years of my scheme. However, the long distance delivery has not always been affective with no easy access in depth library and facilities. Specifically, the assignment structure support that is provided is via the college is not affective long distance as there are delays in responses etc. Overall though the face to face sessions and support is of a good standard.

The qualification is very effective in providing the understanding and knowledge and Project Management topics. This in turn supports my day-to-day activities as I have either a base or developed understanding of the topics, that is furthered through seeing the theories applied in practice. For example, risk learning from my course has come in helpful with placements and projects where I have to either deal with risk or interpret it to make decisions.

The early careers team regularly informs the apprentices of stretch opportunities which are arranged to support the community and promote the company. Along with this there is the occasional company run conference with the only other ones available being APM arranged events. As for social events there are occasionally apprentice arranged drinks etc. with the only recent company arranged event being a celebration evening put on this year. The same again for the sporting activities these are arranged, attended and run by apprentices as a way to socialise out of work.

Yes

As I believe the business does offer opportunities that are unique, equally that the industry we operate in is very different to most others. As a result brings challenges that may not be faced elsewhere. Finally, the pension and other schemes run are very good. As for the apprenticeship scheme specifically I still would as I believe you get the benefits of getting a degree but the bonus of getting a competitive wage.

In respect to interviews and the application process, with BAE it does have multiple layers so can be lengthy. The only piece of advice for interviews is to make sure you have researched the company and the profession (e.g. PM or engineering) you are applying for. Finally, when you are on the scheme make the most out of the placements as you can try and gain a wide broad range of experience.