Network Delivery Project Manager Apprentice Review

Due to the fact that I am an apprentice within my role at the moment, I am currently building my coursework towards my exam in November, which is very interesting, as I have always wanted to learn the role of a Project Manager. I also am involved in some of our new build, which involves doing and learning the following: - Getting involved in a huge variety of projects and gain skills that you’ll carry with you for the remainder of your professional life. - Working collaboratively with Build partners to deliver multiple projects within challenging environments Implementing build activity to ensure that Virgin Media policies and processes, as well as legal regulations, are met throughout. - Driving projects within the team, from the approval and build stages, all the way through to release and handover. - Resolving issues daily, such as congestion in network capacity, route changes, and design changes.

Listed below are both new skills or developed existing skills I have learnt within my role: - Extensive Communication (Both written and verbal with Communication plans) - Problem Solving - Negotiation - Leadership - Developed Teamwork - Collaboration - Budgeting - Planning (structuring projects) - Organisation - Critical thinking - Adaptability - Conflict resolution - Risk Management - Task Management - Scheduling - Decision making - Motivation - Resource Management - Teambuilding - Analysis

I really enjoy my programme, due to the fact that there is so much extensive learning available, in which Virgin Media O2, are consistently putting you on, in order to gain early qualifications, which will be very beneficial to your qualified role within the future. There is also so much flexibility with the work available, as I am able to balance coursework, with project work, evenly, so that I can simultaneously learn different skills from different perspectives, without being overloaded.

The organisation / sturcutre of my programme is impeccable, due to the fact that everything is so well scheduled, with regards to Webinars, Catch up 1 to 1 calls with my Skills Coach and deadlines also. I really believe that the programme I am on, is very resourceful and supportive, as I know exactly who and where to contact, if I have any questions about the work, or am anxious about the work set, which is really amazing for my health, mentally and physically.

I receive endless support from my employer, with everyone being able to support me on a daily basis, if I have questions, regardless of the department, everyone is incredibly supportive which I find very important within my role. The environment, is really rewarding here at Virgin Media O2, as hard work never goes unrecognised, and is consistently supported with such great feedback, as well as, kind rewards and benefits also!

Similar to my employer, the support I receive from my training provider, is also very impressive. This is because, I have 6 weekly catch up calls, with my skills coach and boss, to see how I'm developing within my course, however, can meet or email whenever with them or anyone within BPP for additional support if necessary, which I find extremely helpful also!

The qualification, allows me to develop skills learnt, in applying them to real life scenarios within my projects that are apparent. I have such an important responsibility as leadership within my learning role, as a project manager, and through learning these skills within my webinars, it gives me experience to use them within my role, to further develop myself, through learning from mistakes, as well as, improving my characteristics, so I can fluently gain a much more informative mindset through skills learnt, within my role overall.

I am an Employee Ambassador, which allows me to get involved in different networking events, as well as, career events when trying to promote the business, to new graduates and students, so they can gain a positive insight about our outstanding business. I am also a Buddy to new apprentices, who join the business, and might have questions for a more experienced apprentice, who has been with the business longer and has more knowledge with regards to settling in your role, and how to maximised your potential in getting the most out of your apprenticeship opportunity.

Yes

Being apart of such an outstanding and award winning business, I have multiple favourite things about working here at VMo2 is our inclusive & diverse workforce, the outstanding range of benefits on offer for every employee, our impressive friendly working environment and above all, the exceptional room for career development, which is attainable throughout your experience, here at VMo2! I can assure, that you will be very well looked after throughout you career, with this adaptable business. Personally, I have found my time on the “Network Expansion Project Management” scheme very beneficial because, there is so much interesting learning available, as VMo2 consistently have training courses which you can attend, in order for you to gain early qualifications throughout your career, which in the future will is very practical for your suited job role.

The most important tip I have for assessment centre’s and applications is to be yourself. These applications and assessments centres are not made for you to feel stressed and under pressure (as much as it feels like you should be). Instead they are made for you, so that you can show off what amazing skills and knowledge you can bring to the table and why you’d be the perfect candidate to the role you have applied for in the business.