Project Management Higher Apprentice Review

I am currently a Project Management Higher Apprentice at BAE Systems. My role involves taking part in 4 month placements within different sections of the business, integrating into different teams and completing set objectives which allow me to meet the required competencies for the qualification.

Yes, the skills I have developed the most include communication, stakeholder management, confidence, planning and teamwork.

So far, being part of the HA programme at BAE Systems has been a very valuable experience and I have enjoyed the opportunities I have received as a result.

BAE Systems is investing a lot of resource in my development and this makes me feel highly valued in the business. It is clear that the business is keen to invest in its future workforce.

As the programme stands, the organisation is very good. In my opinion, the structure of the programme itself could be improved. As the placements are only 4 months in length, HA's are not given a specific role within the team, and instead focus more around completing the objectives that were set in the beginning. If the placements were longer, this would give HA's more opportunity to work within a specific role and I feel this would improve our development on the scheme.

Support is constantly available as required.

Support is constantly available as required.

Very well due to my current living situation. As I am 19, I still live at home with parents and do not have a overwhelming amount of outgoings aside from Board, my car, and my phone bill.

BAE Systems prides itself on integrating within the local community and there are many opportunities outside of work as a result.

Yes

For myself, this HA scheme was the preferred option over university. BAE Systems is funding me to study for a degree, while developing my skills within the workplace, and I feel I have developed significantly since starting on the scheme.

Ensure you are aware that the demands of working life are much different when compared to college or sixth form. At first it can be difficult to get used to long working weeks as the majority of people that apply for the scheme are sued to college hours, however this is very easy to get used to and the value of the scheme is much more worthwhile then going to university in my opinion.