Apprentice Project Manager Review

Currently working as a PSO type role, working on governance for a programme. This includes risk management, change management, conducting health reviews on projects, sustaining a working stage gate tracker to ensure the projects are completing governance tasks. I also track resource allocation and demand that comes into the programme.

I have learned the key aspects to governing projects, what is required of them to complete to maintain the company standards and align with audit. I have learned the importance of tracking risks and issues and how we can mitigate them. I have also learned about change management and why there are certain thresholds for making changes in projects.

I enjoy the programme as it fits with my personality. I am keen to grow into more leadership style roles and support from being on an early careers programme and learnings from my team and uni course all give me opportunities in this area of development. I like knowing that I have a lot of progression points to work towards.

The programme is structured well and gives me time to complete all areas of my job including responsibilities for assignments and coursework. It is structures to progressively learn the key aspects of project management. Starting with governance then moving towards learning other new skills like process mapping and tools used in project management.

My employer designates 1 day a week for me to study, do reading for assignments and completing the assignments given to me by QA. If I have 2 assignments due my employers are open with me to taking more time where needed and regularly take time to ensure I am taking responsibilities that fit with the work I am studying.

I have regular meetings with a skills coach who ensures I am on track with my study work, and will work with my line manager to make sure I am getting the right support. I also get time with my lectures before assignments are due to understand where my work can improve and get the best scores possible.

The modules are suited to the work I perform in my role. For example, one module is risk and change management, which is what I do day-to-day and pushes me to think about how we can improve the work we do in the organisation and stimulates me to take what I've learned from the course and reflect on it.

There are many extra curricular activities. There are many groups you can join like women in experian. We have 5-a-side football teams you can join, a boot camp at lunchtime to keep fit at work. There are also many networking events, especially for early careers to get to know your peers.

Yes

Experian has wide opportunities for your future and are keen to help you develop. They have great schemes and rewards and are always looking for ways to recognise the work employees do. They can even help to get you to move to other offices and widen your reach of work.

Make yourself stand out, show you have drive for the work you do and that you want to make a difference to the work you apply to the organisation. Stick with the process, and show all you have to give.