Project Engineer Review

I manage capital engineering projects in line with site manufacturing and infrastructure strategy. My day to day is very varied as I am involved in projects from conception through the specification and tender process, installation, commissioning stages through to eventual hand over and sign off. This involves work both on and off site in the office and the factory.

Before starting this apprenticeship I have had just under 2 years experience working as a Project Engineer, and as a mechanical design engineer before that. This apprenticeship has allowed me to build on my engineering experience and learn the theoretical side of how to effectively manage projects from concept to adoption stage.

The programme can be challenging, particularly to manage working on the apprenticeship alongside my day to day role. However, my line manager has been understanding and given me the time and opportunity to balance my own workloads. The content of the programme can be dry at times, but all of it is no doubt useful for a new project manager.

When I first started the programme I was using a portal called 'MyLife' which was quite tedious as it required a lot of downloading and printing of PDF's and then re-uploading. There was also no clear indication of where you should be in terms of course progression. We now use a portal called Aptem which is a huge improvements and removes most of those issues. The programme seems much more well organised since the change, and is clear where I am and how much more I need to do.

My employer has been pretty good, particularly recently with giving me the time (or rather allowing me to make my own time) to complete the work I need to do. I don't tend to get any active support unless I ask for it which is okay for me, but perhaps this could be improved slightly as I'm sure some people would struggle with asking.

Support from the training provider was lacking a bit before the programme migrated over to the new Aptem system. I understand this was due to there being too many students assigned to one tutor so there wasn't as much time to dedicate to each student. This again has now improved massively and my current tutor is always contactable and I have regular update meetings.

Being a project engineer I manage projects on a day to day basis so I almost immediately noticed elements of the apprenticeship become relevant and helpful in my role. Having the opportunity to put the theory into practice is a great help. I do feel this is genuinely beneficial to the role as opposed to some training I've had where it feels like a tick box exercise.

I am part of a sports and social cub at work but there don't seem to be many opportunities to get involved in extra curricular activities. This may be somewhat due to the recent pandemic, as social activities in general reduced so time will tell. Occasionally I meet up with colleagues on a weekend.

Yes

Premier Foods is a great place to work, the atmosphere is friendly and most people make a genuine effort to enjoy their time here. Development is actively encouraged if the employee wants it, and you often see people moving into new roles here based on their desires. I can't speak for everyone but as far as I know most managers are understanding and supportive.

Apply for a job here if you want to work in a people focused environment, where your suggestions and opinions will be listened to, and you'll be trusted to work independently. You should have a good level of self motivation as very rarely have you got a manager watching your every move and telling you what to do.