Project Professional Apprentice Review

Involved with project management and project controls of live projects for DE&S. This included speaking to stakeholders, managing schedules, risk registers as well as writing business cases. I worked with experience colleagues and gained knowledge from a variety of stakeholders. Throughout the apprenticeship I have not been held back and have been given work which a normal employee would be given.

I have gained the Association for Project Managers, Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) which is similar to Prince 2. I have also gained a level 4 in project management through a portfolio and presentation. On the job, I have also completed scheduling, risk, quality and cost control courses to enable the skills required to be a successful project manager and project controller.

The apprenticeship has been fantastic, even throughout the coronavirus pandemic the team continued to assist with my development. My exams were held online and I continued to complete my portfolio. DE&S ensured my drive to deliver results did not stop. As well as continuing the programme I also got involved with various outreach activities with local schools and other MOD sites around the UK.

The programme was organised well, it began with a two week induction where key areas and basic knowledge of project management were discussed. I also met my skills coach from QA where they gave the class timetable. Following this I joined my 1st year placement team. Each month I would have 2 session with QA for training towards my APM PMQ with the exam held in December. During this time I also completed my portfolio. During January 21 I joined my 2nd placement team which I will stay in until January 2022. I do feel that the sessions with QA could be spread out more for an even balance or the apprenticeship shortened to 1 and 1/2 years instead of 2.

Within DE&S we have apprenticeship scheme leads which are very helpful and always happy to assist with both work and personal matters. Within my placement teams my managers and colleague are keen to assist my development by shadowing, getting involved and taking on workplace training programmes such as scheduling courses.

When working towards my APM PMQ my tutor from QA was fantastic. Each session was personal and engaging, he thoroughly explained each aspect providing advice for sitting the exam as well as key areas which may come up. My skills coach provided great assistance with the creation of my portfolio, helping me to think outside of the box from the general criteria to meet the specification.

By completing the APM PMQ during the first year on the course allowed me to fully understand my role and what is required during different aspects of my day to day tasks. This has allowed me to excel and be a competent project controller in my 2nd placement. I’m now able to work on improving my practical knowledge now that I have the theory skills.

There are a wide range of extra curricular activities within DE&S including rugby, netball, football and tennis teams within the business. Within the scheme there are outreach schemes with local schools including mentoring, cv writing, mock interviews and millionaires maker challenge. There is also an outreach scheme to assist at a local residential home .

Yes

My DE&S apprenticeship has been refreshing from day one, learning a variety of skills and engaging with a range of knowledgeable stakeholders. I have continually developed and challenged myself throughout the scheme. I feel confident that I will make a successful project manager or project controller at the end of the scheme.

Ensure you are aware of the competencies and behaviours highlighted on the MOD and DE&S website to understand how the organisation work. Be prepared to take on a full time role carrying out work as you develop and improve your skills. Be confident, be keen develop but most importantly ensure you show who you are not who you think they are looking for!