Project Management Apprenticeship Review

A typical day involves getting jobs from my placement mentor and getting help with the tasks I'm given where necessary. I interact with the vast majority of the team within the office internally and i communicate with external people in the Canada Project when updating the progress on their actions. My responsibiliies have previously included planning jobs for the craftsman and updating my manager on the team's job progress.

I've learned a lot more than I expected when coming into the company. Internal excel courses helped greatlly as I had next to no experience with it. External safety training has hightened my awareness of safety within the work place. QA have been active in my professionial learning. I've developed confidence and presenting skills. I've managed to get a good grasp of detail planning and an initial understanding of project controls in my new placement.

Work wise I really enjoyed my first 6 months. Every office i've been in have been really easy to get on with as they're really supportive and keen to include apprentices in social events and every aspect of work where suitable. The company pushes their great culture on their apprentices. The apprenticeship has been a lot better than I expected and I've really enjoyed my time in BAE so far.

The induction training is spot on as the company really enforces their culture of Quality, Safety, Ethics and other matters of high priority right from the start which is definitely necessary. Training and support is second to none as your questions will always be answered and you'll never be made out to look stupid. Task delegation for me so far has been very appropriate to my stage of learning. I'd say that the programme is very well structured and prepared. The only thing I'd say is that I don't feel we get enough time if any to study within working hours.

I get constant support from my placement managers, mentors and line manager and is always very accessible. They'll always point me in the right direction where necessary and their attitude is hyper active towards our development as an employee and person rather than getting work done which is great.

We get good frequent training and updates from our tutors. Support may be slightly dificult to get when you need it on the spot but their attitude to supporting us is really positive and try to aid our problems whenever they can. I do enjoy the support from my training provider.

I definitely get a better understanding of my job role, appropriate processes at different stages of projects and project management as a whole. I have put theory into practice when joining a different projects which me be at different stages. I definitely know more through completing the qualification and understand a lot more terminology then if I didn't train in the qualification.

There are always activities to get involved in such as outward bount, stem events, office bonding outings, charity work, external and internal courses/events but I've not heard of any leisure or sports clubs. When I'm not at work I either go to the gym, see peers or occasionally work my second job when I don't have much to do.

Yes

In my view BAE apprenticeships are absolutely second to none without a doubt. The working conditions and opportunities are so flexible and have a great culture towards taking care, supporting and developing their apprentices. I'm in a much better position in life than the vast majority of my peers which I'll never take for granted!

The advice I would give is do your absolute best to get yourself in the door. I can't stress enough how great the company's apprenticeships are. I'd recommend you do a good amount of research and talk to current employees to get as much information as possible for interview knowledge when you're questioned.