Project Management Degree Apprentice Review

I work in placements where I move around different business functions and learn about the business and how Leonardo works. Within each placement, I am given different responsibilites and projects to work on. I attend university one day a week and the rest of the week I will be working - whether that be on site or from home.

I am currently studying for a project management degree, which will also give me an APM qualification. I am able to use Coursera for free and develop myself during my placements - whether it is just developing my excel skills or learning more about QA. I have the opportunity to network and develop my communication skills with people at different sites.

I am enjoying my programme a lot. Everyday is different and exciting. I get to benefit from the company schemes, and I enjoy moving around the business and meeting new people as I work in different teams. I didn't expect to be so involved with the work and with my colleagues.

There is a lot of support at university and Leonardo, where they both offer mentoring schemes to support during exam season or when there are a lot of deadlines at work. A work-life balance is promoted a lot and we, as apprentices, are able to benefit from that as well.

I receive support from both my placement manager and my apprentice manager. Both are very willing to support when needed and are easy to talk to. Any issues raised to both are generally resolved very quickly. For example, when there is an exam at university, both are aware and support with the workload.

The university is very supportive too. They are aware and considerate for the fact that we are working and studying at the same time. The lecturers are all very approachable and every student is entitled to having a Success Coach which helps you set and achieve your goals and targets.

My qualification is teaching me the fundamentals to project management which is allowing me to understand my role better at Leonardo. A lot of the time, the work we do is transferrable and I am able to use the same skills at work and university. Even though I am currently 7 months in, I am much more confident as a PM than I was previously.

At work, we are all encouraged to do extra-curricular activities - whether that is being a STEM Ambassador, participating in IMechE challenges or speaking at events. There is always a lot to get involved in and each opportunity is always very exciting and beneficial for our individual self development at Leonardo.

Yes

It is a great company to work for and I am supported a lot with my career progression. There are many great company benefits that I get to use and there is a really great work-life balance. As a company, we work on really interesting projects and it is great having such key involvement with them.

My main tips would be to research the company and the projects we work on, understand the application process and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Stay true to yourself and try your best by being you! Everyone brings something different to the table. Good luck with your application!