Project Manager Apprentice Review

by Thames Water

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I shadow other project managers in my team and help out with any admin tasks that needs doing such as risk management, H&S audits, commercial responses. I make and update spreadsheets to track information, listen in and sometimes present progress meetings and I do online university on Fridays

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I am completely new to the working world and the water construction industry so everything is new, I have developed skills using MS Teams, excel, many admin sites such as cemar, ARM, miro board, spheracloud and twexnet.

6/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy it, sometimes it is hard to juggle university and working but my team are always okay with me taking time during the work day to catch up on uni work. I feel like i am learning a lot and hopefully by the end of my 4 year apprenticeship will be a fully fledged PM.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

There is no specific structure to my apprenticeship as of yet, each apprentice with their manager is tracking our progress individually. There are plans to switch around within the company so we can get experience in different areas

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my employer and there are multiple people I can go to if i have any questions or need help. Sometimes it is harder when working from home so I try to go into the office as much as possible. I also have a good support network with the other apprentices on my scheme even though we all work in various different areas

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

University is mostly online which can be difficult and sometimes boring- but they give opportunities to visit the campus for in person lectures every 3 months which is much better and great to meet everyone in person.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The things I learn at university links up very well with things I do at work and often makes it easier to understand what people are talking about, as well as has improved my confidence when presenting.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I have joined an apprentice leaders community group which we discuss and lead lunch and learn sessions and volunteering and social days for the apprentice community. There are socials within my team which is always fun and I also outside of work enjoy socialising with the other apprentices.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Thames Water to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

TW is a very inclusive company with people from all ages, and has a great social side and is very flexible. The work is fun and everyone is very nice and welcoming to new people

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thames Water?

I would suggest being a big personality and not afraid to speak up and interact with your team as nobody is going to do what you need them to unless you ask- and the team will not be happy if nobody makes the effort