Project Manager Review

On a daily basis, my role involves working delivering project outputs, working closely with engineering and project control to ensure the delivery progresses and any issues are managed and resolved quickly. I am also required to check the quality of the outputs before issuing them to third parties such as the MoD.

I have learnt many new skills over the course of the apprenticeship; many project management competencies including risk management, cost control, schedule management, and quality control, as well as different behaviours including leadership, how to work both collaboratively and independently, and how to manage stakeholders across different levels of seniority.

I enjoy the programme I am on to a relative extent. It is great to have the theoretical knowledge and and the opportunity to put it into practice, as well as the different placements and travel opportunities available, however in some placements there can be a little too much challenge and expectation at times which requires careful management

The programme is well structure; apprentices undertake 5 different 1 year placements alongside 5 years of university - studying 3 years towards a foundation degree and a further 2 years towards an honours degree in project management. There is ample support from skills coaches to ensure the competencies in role are being met.

I receive a lot of support from BAE Systems; firstly, from an apprenticeship department, there is always someone available to help with regards to achieving competencies, general wellbeing, and placements. Most line managers are supportive, with active encouragement to challenge and develop oneself. There is also plenty of support from the university too.

There is a lot of support from BAE Systems when working towards my qualifications. One day per week is given for university studies, and when there are deadlines upcoming for exams such as the APM PMQ, additional study days are provided to give the apprentices the best chance of passing.

I feel that my qualification gained through my training provider helps me to perform much better in my role. The theoretical knowledge that I can through studying for my qualification allows me to apply new ways of project management into the placements that I am in, as well as helping me t understand the foundations of project mangement.

There are many extra curricular activities to get involved in at BAE Systems; many societies exist including sports clubs such as football and netball, and even opportunities for those passionate about certain subjects, and those to promote equality too. There are also professional networking events internal and external to the organisation.

Yes

I would BAE Systems to a friend as it is a company that offers a career, not just a job. Due to the size of the organisation, there are plenty of opportunities to move around the company to continuously develop individuals and their competence, as well as the highly competitive salaries.

The advice that I would give to others who are applying to BAE Systems is to read up on the company, understand what the company does, why, and recent announcements, and to understand what project management as a discipline is whilst understanding why you believe you are suited to a PM role.