Project Management Trainee Review

I am currently coming to the end of my third year in BAE Systems Maritime Submarines trainee scheme in Project Management. My role at the moment is working for Aft Mait - Secondary Propulsion team and it is actually my exit role from the scheme so I will be staying here for the forseeable future. My role invovles manageing and providing updates for two of the submarine systems as well as working at maturing the Secondary Propulsion risks and opportunities.

Yes I have developed the following skills: leadership, self-confidence, self-management, initiative, being honest, communication skills, team work skills and problem solving.

I have really enoyed moving placements every four months as it has enabled me to experience what it is like working for two completely separate programmes (Astute & Successor). This has helped me to develop my knowledge and understand the business that I am working for. It is on this scheme that I have also had the chance to network within the business and build strong friendships with others on the trainee scheme.

I feel very valued by BAE Systems and the work that I have done over the past three years. Since 2012 I have received three 'Pride Awards' which highlight how BAE Systems has recognized my achievement in certain pieces of work I have completed. This is a great incentive to work hard and meet deliverables.

The programme is very well organized. We have regular trainee meetings where we all get together to discuss updates and concerns. Each trainee stricly abides my their 4 month placement rule; it is well organized and everyone moves at the same time to their next placement so there are no clashes. There is a clear three year plan when you begin the scheme of there each of your placements will be over the three year scheme; it is well structured.

I recieve support when needed by my training provider, all of which is of excellent standard. I have been through many training courses the past three years, all of which has been detailed and provided me with sufficient knowledge to develop.

The support I recieve from my employer is very good. Any queries or concerns that I have are addressed quickly and I feel like the support I recieve is genuine and there are no problems experienced. I feel that it is very clear who I need to go to when I need certain support.

Very well. The trainee scheme wage when you first start is very good considering you are coming straight out from college into a full time job when your college peers are about to embark onto Uni lifestyle with debts and minimum spends. As a trainee I am working full time, getting a very good wage and having my degree paid for me; it is an extremely good scheme provided by BAE Systems.

Yes - At BAE Systems Maritime Submarines, we also have outside of work opportunities to develop us called 'Stretch Assingments. These mainly link to work with the local community and schools, helping to promote BAE Systems as a company and promote the individual higher education schemes they have to offer.

Yes

You get to move around every four months which is not something you would normally get the chance to do if you were employed directly into a role for a business. As a result of this you get to influence which area in the business you enjoyed the most and this can potnetially be your exit role which has fortunatley happened to me. Networking opportunities are great and I have made very close friendships with everyone on the trainee scheme in the different years.

Apply for the trainee scheme if you are coming out of college as the opportunities and benefits are endless! In regards to applying, make sure you discuss work experience and how it links back to behavioural competencies which could be used in a job role within BAE Systems.