Project Professional Apprentice Review

My main role in my first placement is risk management. For this I have to update registers, create monthly meeting and attend to make updates to risks and create meeting whenever needed to talk about upcoming risks. There are also many other jobs I have to do for risk. However, this doesn't stop me from undertaking other jobs as well as risk. I have been involved with the project managers in updating their project histories, creating RACI charts and each month apportioning the costs of the team.

Yes there have been plenty as I have come straight from 6th form. The main on is responsibility as there is no one to make sure that I get the work in on time I have to do it by myself. Also. the whole of project management is new to me as I didn't now much before so I have learnt a load of new skills from not only the training provider but plenty from the members of the team in my first placement.

I enjoy the programme. Everyone is very friendly and is willing to take the time to help me if I have any questions. I have had lots of work to get on with as well as a variety so that I can broaden my skills. Even if I have not been tasked with a job, colleagues will happily show me what they are doing so you can get a better insight into the project management role.

In terms of the training course it is very well structured. Right at the very start I was given a timetable of when all my classroom session would be and even when I would have mock questions. They are also on top of any work that needed handing in by setting dates and time and marking it and sending it back with any changes that needed to be made. As for the apprentiship scheme itself, it could maybe be more organised with group meetings with other apprentices. There haven't been many so far however sometimes they are not sent that far in advance. However, the general structure is very good where I will do 2 placements over the 2 years doing different roles to get a good variety of skills which is very beneficial.

There is support for anything you want. Not only can I go to other members of the team, scheme members and the management team, there is a whole intranet page with lots of information. I can search up anything and the majority of the time I will find the answer but if I can't everyone else is very helpful. As well, I have found that there are plenty of people looking out for me to give me new things to do so that I can get better understanding of project management.

I receive quite a bit of support. The training provider use a online system called Onefile to track us. On here, they set me dates and time of when I am supposed to hand in work and this is where they also send us back feedback on our work. I feel that it is very interactive. They also ask me to set up a meeting around once a month to check in to see how I am getting on and in the classroom session we are encouraged to engage heavily and ask questions.

It has been slightly difficult to use examples in the classroom session that apply to Defence Equipment and Support as some of the work people are doing can be sensitive so can't be used and some of the ways they teach me and words they use are slightly different to what I do in my role. However, it is good as I can get a wider understanding of why each part of a project is done and how work I am completing for the team is contributing to the wider project.

No there haven't been anything offered as of yet apart from the Christmas social. But this is mainly because of the affect of COVID-19 and that since I have joined it has not been easy to get together and there have been lots of restrictions to doing so. I have heard from others in the company that there is plenty that will come up.

Yes

I would highly reccomend because of the training and opportunities avaliable. With the training it is high level and there are also plenty of people around to give you support. For the opportunities, there is endless amount of projects and work available to you all at different stages of a project life-cycle so there is plenty of ways to gain a better understanding of project management and to work my way up through the organisation.

My first bit of advice is to do research before. It can be quite a confusing company with lots going on so just having a bit of background of Defence Equipment and Support will help a lot. My second bit of advice is having confidence. Everyone is very friendly so if you are confident going in and working with everyone you will fit in very well.