Project Management Apprentice Review

I am a Project Manager Apprentice in my first year of the scheme. My role is a Control Account Manager for this year's placement. As part of my daily tasks I work on Excel spread sheets often, collecting and displaying the data of the hours (spend) worked by the engineers on each contract. I then compare this to the budget held for each contract and show the difference to present this data back to team leaders to find justifications for under/overspend. At quarterly intervals, I also review the contract budget and using the justifications collected, as a team we submit any changes we may need. In my team we are each responsible for a different customer. Internally we often ring people to find answers to any problems or issues.

I've learnt a lot already only 6 months in to my apprenticeship as we attend college 1 day a week for the foundation degree. We learn 2 modules each semester learning lots of theory and practical work that I can apply to my role in a working environment. We also study for Level 4 apprenticeship qualifications alongside this so sometimes have more than 1 day a week in college. I've learnt communication techniques, methodologies and principles of projects such as the lifecycle and also tools and techniques where we carried out our own project- both practical and theoretical skills are learnt. After the foundation degree we have the opportunity to learn more skills through progressing on to an honours degree. There are plenty of training courses we attend as a year group such as risk management and transactional analysis - learning how to effectively transact and consider others. These cover both personal and professional skills.

As a first year, the responsibility and delegation slowly picked up so I wasn't overwhelmed at first. 6 months in I am very comfortable with my role and now know the majority of processes and tasks I need to do - but I am still learning and growing. The team is a nice size so I feel I settled in easily and we hold weekly meetings together. The company culture is emphasised regularly, with several handbooks, reviews, behavioural matrix's to be completed and any high level announcements made via regular communication emails and briefs. Reality versus expectation will always differ- particularly through the first couple of months when settling in, however, already I have adjusted and the role is feeling much more aligned to my expectations and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I have regular personal development reviews with my line manager where we review my objectives and progress. I also have 12 week reviews with my scheme manager to also discuss progress outside of the office. We have a year representative who asks us for feedback or any comments to pass on to managers in the hierarchy to give us chance to express our views and make them valued.

It is very well structured with an induction to get to know you year group better before phasing you in to the office/your placement. There are training events put in to the diary in advance and support and who and where to go to if needs is constantly re-iterated. With college being the same one day a week and time to study for exams it is very well organised.

We are allowed 1:1 time with out tutor and she is very approachable to ask any questions if needs be. In college, there are people to go called Higher Education Learning Mentors if we need support or guidance with any problems. The attitude is very positive hence I enjoy college.

There is a structured hierarchy with plenty of people available to ask for support. In office we have our line managers and form valuable team relationships. We also have our scheme managers from the HR team that are always on hand and very approachable. We have easy opportunities to find a mentor and it is encouraged. We are free to set up meetings with mentors as and when we need and it can be formal or informal as you like. Everyone is very supportive.

The salary covers living costs well. We have the opportunity to be reimbursed for certain travel costs. Daily costs at work are at your own preference. We have access to a kitchen if you wish to bring in any necessities but there is also a large canteen and coffee shop. The location of work for me is just right as it is not too far of a drive but if it was the salary makes up for this.

There are plenty of opportunities presented to you, but also plenty of opportunity to express your interest to get involved in the next event and so on- after all the course is 5 years long so you have plenty of time as long as you're willing. For example, I have helped out at recruitment events and also visited my old Sixth Form to give a presentation. We are forwarded on emails for voluntary charity events to get involved in. There are leisure clubs on site too!

Yes

To spread awareness of the different routes other than going to university- particularly my course as the degree is paid for! I feel mature and have enjoyed my decision so far to join the working world and gain real experience as it is a better way of learning in my opinion. I feel just as valued as any other employee!

Ensure when applying this is really what you want! It is clear on the assessment centre days or application form who genuinely desires to be a BAE Systems employee so always check your application form and get others to proof read it too. I'd recommend experience to draw upon in the interview stage - charity/voluntary work is well respected.