Project Manager Review

I am currently completing my Associate Project Manager level 4 apprenticeship. My role currently involves managing projects within our Digital infrastructure department through documentation, managing a team, requesting progress updates and schedule completion. I also help to support our project management office in terms of reporting progress within our portfolio of projects and setting up project sites online.

I have definitely learnt new skills as well as the fundamentals of project management. I have been given many opportunities by my employer to complete additional training on top of my apprenticeship. I have gained qualification in areas such as; microsoft project, microsoft excel, power bi, PMO management. I have also been encouraged by my employer to sign on to a level 6 project management course following completion of my current apprenticeship.

I definitely feel supported by my organisation and I always receive encouragement to get involved wherever I can and complete additional training. I enjoy working with my team and my management are always helpful. I would have liked to have had better support from my provider however and I think there could have been more coordination between my provider and employer as to how my programme would be delivered.

Unfortunately, I do feel that in terms of my provider, there was little to no organisation of my programme. I have received very limited support from them in terms of study material, support sessions and feedback. The majority of my learning has been self study using reading material and power points. I feel that my organisation however have tried to provide more structure and i feel very supported by them.

I am very happy with the support I receive from my employer. My senior management are always encouraging and I feel very supported. The attitude surrounding apprentices at STFC is very positive. I think I would have benefitted from more structure to my programme but i think that was largely a result of my provider.

Unfortunately I feel like I receive very little support. Although my tutor is accessible, I feel that there is little structure to my programme and the feedback I receive is insufficient. I feel that everything I have learnt has been self taught with reading and power points. There is an attitude of tutors working at my provider having 'too many learners', I therefore feel that a lot of my 1-1 time is rushed and the focus is constantly on getting me through my course as quickly as possible and not about my development.

I feel that the content of the APM qualification is extremely beneficial to my role. My employer has ensured that i have had opportunity to put all of my theory into practice. I definitely understand my role more since starting my apprenticeship and i feel confident in my knowledge. I do however think that the majority of my learning has come from my own self study and support from my employer. I would have benefitted from more learning material from my provider.

Yes, i have always been encouraged by my employer to get involved. I am currently co-chair of our apprentice association and a member of our Wistem group. I have also been involved in a lot of outreach programmes at local schools. I have attended multiple training sessions as well as team building opportunities and seminars.

Yes

I feel that i am very supported by STFC and the opportunities they provide are extremely beneficial. I enjoy the on site environment and it is a positive place to work. I enjoy the amount of opportunities there are to get involved with the wider organisation also. My team are all supportive and encouraging.

Make sure to do some research on the company prior to the interview. It is definitely beneficial to have a better understanding of the organisation even if the role does not necessarily sit within the scientific research department. Also ask questions regarding progression and what opportunities there are to get involved in work outside of your role.