Project Management Degree Apprentice Review

I am based within Cost Estimating as a cost analyst, I receive supplier bids and have to conduct a price investigation on the bid, produce opportunities for cost savings and then negotiate the savings. I have to ensure the price is value for money for the customer.

Even though it's an apprenticeship I have vastly improved my leadership skills, apprentices are empowered to take the lead on projects and tasks to deliver the outcome. My teamwork and collaboration has developed through having to work closely with supply chain, engineering, commercial, quality and many other stakeholders.

I really enjoy that we get to regularly rotate around different areas in the business. The degree study is interesting however I do feel like sometimes it's padded out to make it last longer, the scheme could definitely be delivered in four years opposed to five years.

I think this experience will differ apprentice to apprentice, personally I have found mine to be pretty organised and structured however this is down to my functional leads driving for structure.

There are so many people around to support apprentices, from placement managers to skills coaches to development leads and functional leads, all of which regularly offer support.

It's been a bit of a rocky ride with Uni of Cumbria and Furness College, feels like tutors are sometimes thrown into delivering content they don't know which then they struggle to provide support.

The Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) definitely helps and is a great qualification that is recognised in the PM profession. The Bachelors of Science Project Management degree however doesn't provide that much help but at the end of the day it's a degree.

I am a student member of the Association for Project Management and the Association of Cost Engineers, I have attended in person seminars for the APM. Other than this we are encouraged to take part in stretch to gain further skills and competencies, which I really enjoy.

Yes

Vast business with a huge amount of variety. Great opportunities for learning and career development. All whilst having a decent salary

Undertake relevant work experience and talk about it in your application and interview.