Project Management Review

In my first 1 year placement I am working in a assurance role. I actively ensure that projects are following processes correctly and support the air sector in their project control tasks. As well as my day to day role I run smaller projects as stretch assignments and manage them from the concept phase right through to the handover and closure phase.

Yes I have learnt a variety of new skills since beginning my apprenticeship. such as, project control, creating processes and analytical skills. I have also enhanced many other skills such as leadership, effective communication, scheduling, budgeting and governance checking. Throughout my time I have attended many training and awareness courses which improve my work skills but also my life skills such as awareness around safeguarding and addiction.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on as it not only improves your business skillset but it allows you to obtain a degree in the subject you are actively working in. Further to this it provides you with valuable on the job experience in a market leading business.

The programme is very well organised and has all the correct structures in place to capture any issues and prevent any harm to the apprentices. I feel that the way the scheme is structured a 5 x 1 year placements it gives a good balance as the placements are not to short that you don't fully understand this business area but are there is enough rotation that you experience many different areas and can find the most suitable for you.

As an apprentice we receive a lot of support regarding safeguarding and supporting any issues we may have. Our employer holds 12 week reviews in order to assess our progress and capture any risks early. Allowing for issues to be captured early. My employer also offers a vast amount of opportunities for progression in the business.

We receive a good amount of support from both our tutors and our line managers in terms of ensuring we are on track with college work, if not we receive extra support. We are also able to send draft assignments in prior to the submission date in order to receive some feedback.

The qualifications provide me with the knowledge of techniques and toolsets in order to manage projects more accurately, manage people effectively and to schedule using different techniques. These skills of stakeholder management can be applied in the workplace. This knowledge also allows me to challenge some older techniques which are used widely across the business.

Yes, there are many social events which are offered to us apprentices including football events, basketball events, nights out, apprentice committee meetings. These all allow for a very connected feeling between all years of the PM apprenticeship and other schemes. These also allow for apprentices to organise these events and test their skills they have learnt.

Yes

I feel that there is no better company regarding opportunities for development and progression through a career. Furthermore the products and services that BAE offers are extremely interesting and offer vast amounts of innovation. Furthermore there are international opportunities for employees who wish to improve their knowledge and have a closer relationship with customers.

keep on writing drafts and drafts before finally pulling together a finished piece that you are happy with. Research the business well before applying to improve your knowledge of hot topics so you can answer interview questions appropriately and with BAE examples. Also prepare well for the assessment days as these are the most important part of the recruitment process.