Project Manager Apprentice Review

As the Project Manager Apprentice in the Janet Network Division, my role is focused on delivery of the Janet network. My day-to-day responsibilities include discussions with members and customers regarding connectivity, working with suppliers to deliver new network infrastructure, updating stakeholders on the progress of projects and managing resources both internal and external to Jisc.

The degree element of my apprenticeship has developed both my confidence and understanding significantly, allowing me to take that new understanding into the workplace to embed changes in my own working practice. Additionally, Jisc are extremely supportive of my development and have encouraged me to participate in additional courses such as PRINCE2 and ITIL, as well as internal training courses beneficial to my understanding of the organisation and my job role.

I have extremely enjoyed my apprenticeship since joining almost 3 years ago. My colleagues are very supportive of my ongoing development and keen to ensure that I have the tools required to allow me to succeed in my apprenticeship - whether that be feedback, time to complete my degree work or additional training. Having joined Jisc with no office-based or project experience, I was made to feel incredibly welcome and have built some great relationships with colleagues.

Upon starting with Jisc, I had an induction to both the organisation and degree element of my apprenticeship and was assigned a mentor within Jisc with whom I have built a great friendship. Over this time, my mentor and line manager have helped me to relate my degree-based learning back to the workplace and assisted me with finding opportunities at work for exposure to new responsibilities that have helped this learning.

Within Jisc, we have a specific contact within the HR department to assist us with any apprenticeship-related queries (such as queries regarding our training providers) and this individual is consistently working to ensure that Jisc's apprentices are having a positive experience and gain the most out of their apprenticeships. When I joined Jisc, I was assigned a mentor to encourage me to feel welcome in the organisation, as this allowed me to raise any questions that I had - and I became comfortable within my role very quickly. My line manager, mentor and colleagues continually support me with both the workplace experience and degree elements of my apprenticeship.

QA Limited assign a Skills Coach to each apprenticeship and this contact remains with the apprentice throughout the apprenticeship. I meet virtually with my skills coach every 10 weeks or so to discuss recent assignments, what I am doing at work and how these support one another. There are also alternative channels for support such as the ACE team (who provide guidance in terms of assignment writing), tutors (for subject-matter guidance and teaching) and welfare support - my training provider is passionate about safeguarding and ensuring that its students complete their course successfully.

Upon joining Jisc, I was unsure that I would have the ability to make changes within the organisation as a result of my degree learning however my line manager is keen to introduce my ideas within the workplace to enable me to put this teaching into practice. Additionally, I have been able to apply particular theories and practices into my work to better understand how I can become an effective manager.

Opportunities such as the Rounders and Football teams as well as the annual leave available for staff to carry out voluntary work are amongst the extra-curricular activities available with Jisc (and this is partly dependant upon the office in which you are based). We also have the annual Christmas party. Jisc could perhaps offer an increased range of social events however I have made great friends within the organisation so we enjoy going out to eat and socialise when we can.

Yes

Jisc is a supportive, driven and encouraging environment - I feel continually supported for both my personal and professional development and I have had a very positive experience since joining in 2018. I have learned a huge amount over the last 3 years and the exposure that I have had to tasks and responsibilities beneficial for my development has been great.

My application process consisted of an assessment day, shared with other apprentice applicants for a variety of roles, as well as a regular face-to-face interview. My advice would be to apply for a role that you are passionate about and that interests you, even if you have no experience in the field.