Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

My role as a project management higher apprentice involves managing the cost, schedule and quality (among many other measurable characteristics) of projects and programmes in BAE Systems. On a day-to-day basis, I track forecasts of deliverables, work with supply chain to ensure that what we have everything we need on time and help delivery teams stay on track and to budget.

Since starting my apprenticeship almost 18 months ago, I have learnt many new skills including governance frameworks, control of projects in terms of time, cost and quality, project change control, the business environment, risk management, schedule management, stakeholder and communications management, and commercial and contract management. I have also developed my leadership, collaboration and teamwork skills.

For the most part, I really enjoy my programme. I like the structure of taking a degree whilst working in the discipline I am studying as what I learn at university is consolidated in the workplace, and my knowledge and skills learned in the workplace in turn help with my studies.

My programme is organised quite well - I study one day a week at university and work in the business the remaining 4 days, which works well. I have a line manager, functional manager (from project management) and a placement manager which can work well in some instances as it ensures that I am supported in every aspect of my apprenticeship, however this can lead to some confusion over who to report certain things to, whose work I should prioritise, etc.

The support I have received from my employer have been second to none. I feel supported, understood and wouldn't think twice to ask for help if had a problem. The safeguarding officers, EAP and occupational health are all helpful and empathetic and the business wellbeing group does great work.

The support I receive from my training provider can be limited. Although the teaching itself is good, contacting tutors outside of the classroom can be difficult with slow or non-existent replies to emails asking for assistance on coursework. In person this support has been good when asked for, however not much time was dedicated to me as my tutor had a class of 22 to help in one afternoon.

My qualification has given me the basic knowledge I need to carry out my job effectively. I have applied theories and frameworks that I have learned at university in the workplace and even used my knowledge to help others work more efficiently. It has also helped me by learning about other industries and companies - which helps combat the 'blinker' effect of working in one industry.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities at work, including regular team curry nights, a rounders team, hiking club, choir and APM networking events. That being said, they are often not advertised as best they could - there is no list of groups on the intranet, for example. Despite this I have found my time in choir rewarding, fun and it has increased my confidence and presentation skills immensely.

Yes

It offers a good apprenticeship scheme with a competitive salary and the wealth of opportunity available in such a large company is ideal for someone starting their career and looking to develop themselves both personally and professionally. The placements system also ensures that you see many areas of the business and means that you can take the best practice from each as learning for future projects.

Don't rush your application - think carefully about what you are writing and make sure that there are no spelling mistakes as this will mean your application is automatically rejected. If invited to interview, read the brief very carefully but try not to worry on the day - everyone is very friendly and it was a much nicer experience than I expected.