Project Management Degree Apprentice - Quality Review

My role is a quality project manager so my placements are focused in the quality department, with opportunities to explore pure PM and operations also. I have looked at things such as processes, governance, audits, QA and QC. Currently I am working on project's to increase attraction and recruitment of Quality in our company specifically apprenticeships.

Yes, I have learnt lots of technical skills such as using project management tools, scheduling, risk management, as well as lots of personal skills/behaviours such as leadership, stakeholder management and confidence. This has made me a much more professional individual and I can talk to a lot of different people now.

I really enjoy my programme as I am in education whilst learning on the job work experience which allows me to put my knowledge into practice. This means i can maintain the knowledge and skills and wont forget them. I also enjoy the social side of it as I have made lots of friends with common interests.

I think our programme is well structured. We always gain 20% of off the job learning from our University day on a monday and study days, as well as having opportunities and free reign with completing STEM and stretch assignments. This balance of placement and alternative work is well organised and makes it more engaging.

I receive good support from my employer, having regular learner progress reviews, as well as meetings with my functional lead. We also receive email updates and updates in our PM&C meeting every 6 weeks from our employer. I know that if I went to my employer with queries they would support me.

We receive some good support from training providers. They usually do drop in sessions prior to exams or assignment due dates to discuss any final questions or problems which is useful, and they provide us with plenty of reading material to fill out our assignments with enough academic rigour and learning.

A lot of the material we learn at University becomes relevant in placement, specifically things like using programmes such as MSP, and creating gannt charts. We can apply these in our own projects to make them more professional. I also use business cases within work and can understand terminology within meetings a bit more.

Yeah the council organise social events and communicate these to all apprentices within our company via a newsletter. There is also a rounders event in summer anyone can join which is communicated via apprentice forums. People organise smaller groups such as biking and walking also which is nice as it creates a sense of community.

Yes

I would and do recommend an apprenticeship at BAE to my friends and family because it comes with a lot of benefits and truly helps you develop into a skilled person. It is great because you can gain your qualifications whilst working on the job to put skills into practice.

I would suggest take on all opportunities you are given and try to build up your portfolio as much as you can. Also get involved with as much STEM and stretch as possible as it is a great way to network with new people and gain off the job learning and new skills.