Project Manager - Degree Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship consists of 4 placements lasting 12 months, with the aim to gain the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours required throughout the 4 year apprenticeship scheme. The placements revolve around a range of projects to give apprentices a varied experience, coupled with the degree element via the University of Portsmouth to gain theory understanding.

I have learnt and continue to learn a range of skills related to project management. During my placements I have worked on project management related skills such as; Risk & Opportunity Management, Stakeholder Management, Scheduling, Organisation Management, Controlling project time, cost and quality constraints and general skills such as communication and leadership.

I enjoy the apprenticeship scheme as it gives me the ideal combination of real project management experience within a large company, thorough the variety of placements on offer, with the University element that builds upon what we have learnt at work. I enjoy the range of opportunities available to apprentices and feel that this has been a beneficial start to my career.

The apprenticeship scheme is structured in a very good way. We are given study leave once per week for University studies and work in placement for the other 4 days of the week. Apprentices have a placement manager who they work with on a day to day basis, in addition to early career managers who look after and monitor apprentices progress, wellbeing and conduct reviews.

I receive plenty of support through both the early careers team who track and monitor our progress throughout the apprenticeship, in addition to support from our placement managers who ensure that our day-to-day work is challenging, useful, aids our professional development, and supports us in our apprenticeship.

The University of Portsmouth provide the training for the Degree element of the apprenticeship. Overall the Uni is ok but not perfect. A lot of what we learn is relevant to project management and allows us to build on "work based learning", however some modules do seem to have just been put in to fill a slot. It does not take away the excellent apprenticeship at BAE Systems as the opportunities at BAE are brilliant. However the Uni side can be poor at times in terms what the modules teach and that grading can vary vastly between lectures, resulting in any one person getting a large range of different grades on modules which doesn't seem right.

The qualification does help me in my role as some of what we learn is practical and useful in project management. Modules such as Risk management and Supply Chain have been very useful in my role. However you do have to take the rough with the smooth. Some modules will be beneficial, but some you just have to do to tick the box and gain the credits. However, overall the degree is beneficial to the learning and helps for future career progression.

At BAE apprentices are encouraged to take on "stretch" assignments which enable us to gain skills outside of our day to day placements. This could involve STEM events and going into schools and colleges to promote STEM, to providing support for other apprentices. We are encouraged to attend networking events where possible to broaden our professional network.

Yes

BAE Systems offer a brilliant apprenticeship where you gain the required qualifications in addition to the real work experience that is needed to truly learn how to be a competent project manager. I am able to see ex-apprentices above me who have completed the scheme and have gone on to manage bigger projects as time goes on - showing that this apprenticeship at BAE Systems provides an excellent start to a successful career.

Research the basics of what a project manager does to ensure it sounds interesting to you, however do not worry if some parts you do not understand, as if you were to be successful in applying, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to be a project manager. During the application make sure you take time to answer the questions and showcase why you would be a great fit.