Apprenticeship Project Manager Review

Managing project budget, prioritizing customer requirements, allocating company resource. I am responsible for the overall project and programme management, being given a lot of responsibility that I don't think you would get at a different organization. I am also tasked with communicating with stakeholders as well as being trusted to lead key customer reviews and meetings.

The main skill that I have developed so far in my apprenticeship is an increase in my level of confidence when communicating. With the responsibility that I have, I have also developed on both a personal and professional level, where I have been able to mature in a fast paced environment.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on. I don't think that you would get the same level of support and opportunities in a different organisation. There are various travel opportunities that will be available to you throughout this apprenticeship. I have been able to complete a degree whilst getting paid!

This programme is very well structured, there is a support structure in place with skill coaches who will guide you through the programme. There is a clear placement structure where you will spend 1 year on each placement, giving you the opportunity to see many different sectors of the business.

There is always a high level of support available on a daily basis from the employer. You are allocated an individual skill coach who you can go and get support from as and when required. There is also a large early careers team who will offer support to you throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. Having a direct line manager also ensures that you have a direct line of contact that you can go to if you have any issues/concerns.

There is a large amount of support offered from the employee when working towards my qualifications. They are very accommodating and ensure that all university work can be completed on time. If you are struggling with degree work, there is support that can be offered from the employee to ensure that uni work does not fall behind.

There are some links between the project manager apprenticeship and the day to day role. The degree ensures that we have a solid base of knowledge which we can transfer to the bigger picture at BAE Systems. Upon the first 2 years, the day to day roles become a lot more challenging and it is harder to directly cross transfer the skills learned at university. However, I believe that the degree gives you a vast understanding of PM which makes it easier to understand tasks at work.

There are many extra curricular activities that you can get involved with at BAE Systems. The employer encourages you to get involved with extra curricular activities as this will go towards you wider development needed to complete the apprenticeship. This can include additional learning, sports clubs and groups that can be found within the organisation.

Yes

I would recommend BAE to a friend as you will gain many skills throughout the apprenticeship as well as being exposed to various opportunities that i do not believe you would get via a different apprenticeship programme. The pay that you receive is very generous and will support you towards building a future.

Learn about the organisation! do not go into an interview not knowing anything about the organisation. Be yourself, let your personality shine through and show off any pervious experiences that you have generated. If applying for an apprenticeship make sure that you speak about the levels of teamwork needed to work in an organisation such as BAE systems.