Assistant Project Manager Review

Interact with a range of stakeholders in the projects, walk round the site to complete programme reviews of the progress, manage the change control process, generally assisting the senior project managers to ensure they achieve their objectives and keep the projects running as smoothly as possible.

Yes I have learnt both job specific skills in terms of how to be a good project manager, engage with stakeholders, keeping on top of meeting and notes as well as general skills in terms of how to conduct myself in a professional environment, writing efficient emails, document control.

I very much enjoy the work I do especially being on the construction site seeing all the progress of the building and being able to get involved in tasks that directly impact the project. The parts I have not enjoyed so much are the formal education and the mismatch between that and the real life projects I am working on. As well as having to study on weekends and evenings as there is not enough time to complete all of the extra work for the formal studies.

As I have gone through the years the programme has become more structured with a bigger focus on the end point assessment but previously this has not been spoken about as much so sometimes it is hard to know where I am with completing that and therefore the apprenticeship. Especially now it has been made clear to me that the end of the apprenticeship is not when the formal education (e.g. the degree) is over. In terms of relating the formal education to my actual work there is a mismatch between that but through both elements I have been able to cover a wide range of learning in several different aspects.

I receive a lot of support from my employer in terms of helping me to get the right experience and extra training that might be required. I am fortunate enough to receive extra study days when deadlines are due and if not a full day I am given some relief on my workload to give me time to complete work.

The training provider has given some support in terms of the EPA and professional qualification but due to both myself not understanding the urgency of completing the qualifications I have not been given much support currently as I am focusing on the formal education and then the qualifications afterwards. When I am at a point to delve deeper in to the requirements for the EPA I suspect I will be given more support.

I feel the qualification has given me a good background knowledge of some of the theories required for my role. However, some of the teaching is not always as relevant and seems to be a few years behind in terms of what is actually going on in the industry but through my workplace I am picking this up.

Yes the workplace offers regular social events after work which it is easy to get involved in organising them, they do offer sports teams but I am not involved in these. The individual offices often promote local networking events and my team management also support me in attending industry events such as conferences which lead to further networking.

Yes

For me it has been a great place to start my career where I have been challenged and pushed to achieve the best. They have provided me with great opportunities and some interesting projects as well as starting to give me responsibilities within my wider team. The people on the whole are friendly and always willing to help everyone learn and develop.

Make sure to research the company and ensure your values align with the companies values as these do play a big part in our everyday work. It is a great place to develop your career where you will be fully supported in everything you do. If doing an apprenticeship ensure you are fully aware of all the requirements and understand the work required while studying and working.