Project Professional Apprentice Review

Multiple placements in different parts of the business. I work on various Project Controls disciplines including Risk, Scheduling, Cost Control, and Project Management admin. I have been trusted with responsibilities of different aspects of a very large defence projects including managing risk and schedule updates and approving invoices and contracts.

My communication skills have improved thanks to working in such large and diverse teams. From low-level employees to CEOs and from project managers to technical engineers; learning about different communication styles has been really eye-opening especially as I have helped train and manage people on small projects. Writing business cases has cultivated my skill in writing succinct and factual, yet persuasive text.

My first placements were unenjoyable as I was not given much work to do and most of what I was given did not provide me with any project delivery skills. However on my final placement I am receiving a wealth of different tasks and I am getting to experience all aspects of project management and controls. So I did not enjoy the first half of my programme but I love my second half.

Not very well organised. Unfortunately the course provider has changed a number of times at the same time the apprentice team at DE&S has been overhauled too. Due to these changes they have not communicated well on the course details and therefore us apprentices have suffered significant delays and received misleading information at times too. What was advertised as a 2 year programme for all has been at least 2.5 if not longer.

It has depended on the placement team. My earlier placements were unsupportive, not appreciating my primary objective was my apprenticeship course, not my temporary job in their team. Later placements have been very supportive however moving me around their department to facilitate my educational needs by way of appropriate experience.

This had varied as the course provider has changed. QA were very good teaching the syllabus but not helpful with my portfolio whereas KPMG have not taught me a lot of the syllabus but are now being very proactive helping me with my portfolio and keeping track via my manager as well that I am being provided with appropriate work.

I am aware the APM Project Management Qualification will help my career progression in future. What I have learnt on my course though has not aided me in my work. Instead it is due to the modules that I have focused on those areas in practice at work that have given me vital experience that help me perform better in my role.

There are no social activities formally arranged by work but I have made friends on the apprenticeship and in my placements that I have socialised with. There are many professional networking events though and I have managed to comfortably get involved on committees and event planning and even delivery of high profile events.

No

Their ethics and values do not match what they preach. Discrimination is rife and senior management show arrogance and disrespect towards minorities and dismiss any complaints of discrimination or victimisation through a flawed grievance process consistently fails its staff. Official policies are routinely ignored and the lack of duty of care is dangerous.

Do not apply if you are disabled. You may gain valuable work experience but it is luck of the draw if you get a placement that provides you with a decent role. Outside of Covid restrictions there are many travel opportunities to sites around the country. Every in-progress project is very interesting and usually unique.