Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

My role is within Project Management. Each placement varies. In my current placement my tasks include pulling packs together for meetings, attending meetings, pulling data and leading some meetings. My placement before this was in governance, which included similar tasks to this placement but I also did a lot of research into different processes the business used etc.

I have learned lots of new skills and developed existing skills since starting the apprenticeship. For example, Excel; I wasn't very competent before starting, I have since used it in every placement, with support form placement manager and other team members and also attended a course to help me develop further. I have also developed skills in other Microsoft programmes such as outlook and powerpoint. I have learnt how to use programmes such as SAP, P6 and Micorsoft Project. Other skills/competencies developed include leadership, stakeholder management, teamwork and communications.

I really enjoy my programme, we move placements every 4 months and I enjoy that most of them are varied so new/different skills are developed in each placement. We also have the opportunity to do 'stretch' assignments/projects; this allows for us to gain extra skills/competencies which we may not gain in placements.

I think the apprenticeship is well structured, as stated we move around every 4 months to ensure we have lots of exposure to the business. Organisation is good however there may be room for improvement, e.g sometimes we do not find out our new placement early as we would like.

Lots of support. We have a line manager, a skills coach (who we meet 12 weekly), a discipline manager (who we meet every placement) and a placement manager. This gives lots of avenues to go to for support. I personally feel comfortable going to any of these people for support.

We receive a good amount of support from our training provider. We are released for lectures one day per week. If we do not understand something the tutor will go over it again. We have a meeting with our personal tutor once a semester to check in. When writing assignments, our tutor is happy to check we are heading in the right direction.

I think this definitely helps. One module was on Microsoft Project, where we learned how to plan a project and add resource etc. I have since used this in my placements. Also, in some placements, my placement manager has set me tasks, based on what I have been learning in University, so that I can put the theory into practice and better understand.

Yes, we have 'stretch' activities, where we can get involved in activities, such as 'Top of the Form', which was a project for a school stem competition. This gives us chance to network with other apprentices from different schemes. There are various sports teams which get sent via email, such as rounders, football etc. There are also networking events that get sent out such as APM conferences.

Yes

I would recommend both BAE in general and the BAE Apprenticeships. The apprenticeship is great because you get to learn skills on the job, whilst getting a degree and you get sufficient support throughout this. The salary is also one of the best around for both apprenticeships and in general.

I would recommend to look up the company on the internet and see what it has to offer. I would recommend to speak to friends/family for advise and opinions etc. For apprenticeship applications, I would recommend to attend events, such as recruitment event which is normally in October/November.