Project Controller Review

I am a Project Controller for Final Assembly of Typhoon aircraft. On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for the tracking of cost of Final Assembly and additional contracted work i.e. Storage and Upgrade projects. I am also the interface between the operational side of the business and the Contract teams, regularly updating the contract teams with the necessary information. On top of this, I am often assigned additional tasks to support the build of aircraft, when problems have arisen.

I have developed numerous skills since starting my apprenticeship. These include, IT skills, Stakeholder Management, Financial Control, Resourcing, Risk & Opportunity Management and many more. I have gained Project Management qualifications through the APM and I am in my Final year of a foundation degree. Inside of work, I have had training courses for becoming a STEM ambassador, Human Factors and Business Conduct. I have also had opportunities to attend an APM Conference and Company away days.

In terms of work, I enjoy the management aspect of my job, and I aspire to one day run my own team. I also relish the responsibility given to me within my roles. within work I a treated as an equal employee to others and I can confidently contribute to discussions in meetings. Within the company, there is an old fashioned culture still existing, however, it is evident that this is changing. The apprenticeship has far exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly enjoy what I do for a living.

I feel a valued member of my team, and I am an established stakeholder with the area I work. I am often left to complete tasks with minimal to no supervision and trusted to deliver to a high standard. I have won an award in the business for managing myself and the tasks that required to be delivered within my team, whilst my manager was away. I have also been given opportunities to manage small projects. In my first year, I assisted in managing a group visit to an RAF base. I used my network to arrange an initial visit and assisted with communications and scheduling for the visit. Overall, I feel a valued member of my company.

The first 3 weeks of my apprenticeship was a gradual induction into the company, including tours of facilities. As well as college every week, additional training is readily available to apprentices and support is also available when required. The apprenticeship is demanding, as study for a degree is on top of a full-time job. However, this was expected and the reward of a free degree is worth the effort. Although I don't have a personal mentor, that is through choice, and many other apprentices have a mentor. The programme is well structured, with well defined targets and career paths whilst on the scheme.

Support is readily available from our training providers. Last year, I was seconded to a different site and therefore had to Skype in to college lessons. This added difficulty to my learning, but I was well supported from college tutors. When I have issues with assignments, I am able to arrange a meeting to discuss this with tutors and receive guidance. The tutors are always more than happy to help.

I am well supported by my line manager and apprenticeship manager. I feel comfortable that I can discuss issues with either, whenever required. I have not had any major problems whilst on the apprenticeship. However, when I required time off for an operation, I was well supported.

My salary is very competitive and meets living, travel and food costs. I also have enough left over to enjoy social events and save money for eventually buying a house. I am now financially stable and looking to make the most of what I earn through investments.

Outside of work, I have been to awards events and away days. As part of my apprenticeship, I have also spent a week doing outdoor activities in the lake district and had the opportunity to live away from home. Whilst working on an RAF base, I was able to join RAF clubs and social events and experience their culture. There is also opportunity to support STEM events and Recruitment events.

Yes

BAE Systems value apprentices highly and are a great business to kick-start your professional career. The pay is competitive and the opportunities are readily available. I have enjoyed my career so far and I look forward to what else is to come.

Research the business and ensure that this is definitely what you aspire to do. Use the terminology on the website within your application and ensure that you have plenty of experience to write about i.e. part-time work, work experience, extra-curricular clubs. The assessment day/interview is much less intimidating than you originally think and you are made to feel welcome and relaxed before you start. If you have any questions prior to starting, you will be assigned a 'buddy' on the scheme who can assist with answering your questions.