Project Management - Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently on a 12 month placement in the functional risk capability team, this involves performing risk reviews for functional risks, supporting risk toolsets and licensing and interacting with the different programmes to provide support and assistance. I interact with senior management and stakeholders when performing my tasks which provides opportunities for networking.

Throughout my apprenticeship I am completing an honours degree in project management. As well as this I have completed my APM PFQ and PMQ, which are recognised project management qualifications. I have developed professional skills in stakeholder management and communication as well as undertaking my work with integrity and professionalism.

I enjoy my current placement due to the overview I get of the entire business. I interact with all the programmes and the function which means that my work changes and throws up new opportunities and projects alongside my business as usual work. My team are extremely knowledgeable in risk and are always happy to support me wherever they can.

My studying aspect of my programme is well structured as I know my term dates, where and when I will be studying and what is expected of me. I have support from my university programme lecturer's and their responses are always prompt and helpful. I have regular reviews with the early careers aspect of my programme however communication can be difficult due to the size of the department.

I receive a lot of support from my placement manager, I have regular meetings where we review my objectives for the placement and set new aims depending on my current progress. I also receive support from my functional lead and sessions can be arranged if needed. I receive support from my skills coach, who is extremely helpful and personable and is always on hand to provide support or answer any queries and resolve issues.

I recieve a lot of support from my training provider. My programme lecturer is always available for 1:1s if needed to discuss pastoral care and current progress in university and any targets I have for myself. If I have problems or questions with university I can always expect a prompt response which will help me with my studies.

The qualifications that I have received so far support my in my day to day role. For example, content taught in the APM PMQ surrounding the risk management process has supported me in my current role as it gave me a basic understanding of the process which I could then build the business specific techniques on.

In my role there are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. There are lots of internal and external 'stretch' opportunities which involve participating in additional non-work related projects either in the business or to the community such as schools. There are also company events and open evenings to get involved in to support prospective applicants. In the first year of the scheme there is also the expectation to go on outward bound in the lake district to develop team building skills with my peers from my intake.

Yes

There is the opportunity to see different areas of the business and programmes which provides an understanding of how the different programmes work. My employer is extremely understanding of university commitments and sets aside an appropriate amount of time to dedicate to my studies. The stretch activities available outside of placement tasks are beneficial for further development and soft skills and allow development of additional competences which may not be developed in placement.

Build on your current experiences and skills and how you can transfer these to a role in BAE Systems. Even though these experiences may not be relevant to the role being performed the skills gained are easily transferable and these should be showcased to support why you should be chosen for the role.