Airframe Project Controller Review

On a day to day basis I am responsible for the monitoring and control of the Airframe area within my programme. In airframe there are over 100 different designers and engineers who I am responsible for, to ensure they book correctly and are on track with their tasks. Progress that they make is transposed into a level 2 schedule which I run and maintain which is fed up to programme director level. Alongside this, I also maintain a toolset which I created myself which automatically generates graphs, which help my colleagues who operate and look after different areas, again these graphs are fed all the way up to delivery director level.

Over the course of my apprenticeship (2 years and 5 months), I've gained plenty of skills in project management. I've learnt cost control, programme management etc. which is re-enforced by me passing my APM (Association for Project Management)exam. This current year though in my new role (Since October) I've been bulking my skills up on Earned Value Management (EVM) and scheduling. Even though I understand the theory around the two, they were the only 2 of APM competencies which I hadn't put in to practice until this placement. Thus far, I am really enjoying the new skills I've gained and the development I am getting out of it.

I really enjoy my programme. The way that BAE structure the programme is fantastic. As an apprentice I have all of the help and structure required to give me support and aid if needed, I can do this through my scheme leader or the early careers scheme. Another factor in enjoying the programme is the respect that is given to apprentices by people in the wider business, especially due to the fact of how hard it is to get in to the company, with during my year only 20 of 700 applicants getting in. The respect also helps a lot as coming in as an 18 year old in to a global business is tough, but everyone is there to help and give guidance. Overall the time taken by people inside of early careers and outside in the wider business really plays testament to the attitude that the company places when it comes to apprentices.

The programme is well structured. The current framework looks at rotating placements every 12 months with the aim to move PM apprentices around different business areas to gain a wider understanding of how the company works and how the different business units operate, with each having distinct differences and various customers (Typhoon to Europe, F35 mainly USA etc.). Alongside this, we have a robust framework above us in the early careers team which aid us throughout the years. Until last year we had our scheme leader, welfare officer and skills coach, however our skills coach wasn't needed after my intake passed the level 4 end point assessment, the only year to do it during our second year.

As a PM apprentice and speaking on behalf of other apprentices, the support we receive is second to none from the company. All thoughts from apprentices are taken seriously and are fed back on a quarterly basis via various forums. Also within various business units there are sessions held with the various business leaders around how they can better accommodate and get general feedback from the apprentices in their area.

As previously stated in my previous responses, the support received is unbelievable. This was highlighted during our run up to our End Point Assessment (EPA) where the function hired a skills coach especially to help us get through the assessment. The devotion and time given by the early careers team is admirable. I can only hope other businesses care as much a out their apprentices as BAE do.

The theory that we do under Blackpool & The Fylde College is easily applicable to everything I do. The theory around stakeholder management, scheduling etc. is easily applicable in work. it also helps that our current tutor used to work at BAE meaning he is easily able to apply his knowledge to the theory which brings it to lie nicely.

There are plenty of opportunities. When I was at Warton I used to take part in 5 a side football every Thursday, made up of people from all over the Warton site across various functions. In terms of networking events there are plenty, whether it be all hands briefs, launches of new contracts etc.

Yes

I would and I have, leading to one of my friends currently being employed here. For me the company encompasses everything an employee needs to thrive and develop in. The company itself helps people develop its employees to be better and encourages movement. The various apprenticeships and graduate schemes is unbelievable, covering all bases. The company also includes so many benefits for its employees, whether that be the fully established shares scheme, pension scheme or employee assistance programme. The company also runs schemes for employees such as cycle to work and various charity related events. Overall the company cares about its employees which is always a breath of freshair.

If you get knocked back, apply again the next year. I know people who applied 4 times or more who have eventually got in. I also recommend that people learn about the company, as unlike many places, this company is full of people who are very enthusiastic about the product, whether it be Typhoon, F35 or aircraft of the past. It tells in an engineering company to understand the past and present.