Trainee Project Manager Review

I'm a Trainee Project Manager on the Degree Apprenticeship Scheme with Arcadis. My role varies from day to day but typically consists of chairing and attending various project team meetings. Tracking and reporting on project/programme progress and working with technical experts to resolve problems on site.

Project Management is a diverse role where you get involved in the whole process this has allowed me to learn many skills such as effective team leadership and project reporting and tracking techniques. I've also been able to enhance my skills in communication, prioritisation and negotiation.

Arcadis is a large organisation with lots of opportunities, as such I've found some projects more interesting then others, however, working on the things you most enjoy will come down to your personal willingness to voice your passion and interests.

The programme is well structured and there is a clear path outlined for each degree apprentice, I do sometimes feel this may be "too structured" as not everyone will go down exactly the same path for various reasons. Some flexibility in the process would be welcome.

Arcadis is full of people who are willing to support Degree Apprentices where required, there are formal support networks via Learning and Development which have helped throughout my time so far however the most impactful has been through speaking to fellow colleagues of varied levels of seniority.

The university I use which is mostly online based is helpful, however I sometimes feel they are unable to provide subject matter support and the support made available is mostly generic. I often seek and receive technical support required for assignments from colleagues rather then the university.

Most of the modules do align with your day to day role especially from the latter 2nd year onwards, I however feel that my role helps me perform better at obtaining my qualification instead of it being the other way around.

There are many extra-curricular activities to take part in, too many to list! You also have the opportunity to set up and manage these activities should you wish to do so.

Yes

Arcadis is a great place to learn. In my experience your given the opportunity to lead and run your own projects with support where needed, your treated in the same way as any other colleague within the business. Many apprentices are working at levels far above their "job title".

Ask questions, be a sponge, mix with as many people as possible and figure out what part of the built environment interests you most. Be prepared to fail sometimes but never take this personally or let it un-inspire you, it's all part of the process.