Project Management Degree Apprentice Review

by BAE Systems

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

In the apprenticeship you get the opportunity to do several placements in different areas of the business. I am currently working on a community project which consists of day-to-day tasks that cover lots of project management competencies such as communication with internal and external stakeholders.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Yes, I have learnt many new skills whilst being on this apprenticeship and am continuing to develop them everyday. One example is, I had never been involved with risk management before this apprenticeship and now I lead risk reviews and manage the project risk register etc.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love working at BAE Systems, I have been given so many amazing opportunities since working here and believe I am receiving the best training to develop as a competent and experienced project manager.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well structured, however I feel the university could be more organised in terms of sending our timetables out a few months in advance of the new year beginning not a few weeks before as this makes planning holidays etc. hard.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have received unlimited support from my placement managers, skills coach, functional lead and my peers. Everyone in the business is routing for you to do well on your apprenticeship and in your future career.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I have dyslexia and the university have been good when offering support for that.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I always notice myself applying the things I have learnt at university to my work e.g. different methodologies and models used in project management all the time. For example, network diagrams to plan and schedule projects.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes there are many STRETCH opportunities which give you the chance to go to local schools or help out at apprentice open evenings etc. The local higher apprentice council often arrange social events such as rounders games in the summer and I have had the opportunity to go to different places such as York on placement to benchmark for our project.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because every placement I have been in as pushed me to reach my full potential and develop as a project manager. The support system in early careers is great and the opportunities BAE offer are just amazing.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?

Research the basic principles of Project Management and BAE itself before your interview and you will smash it!