Project Management Apprentice Review

Role involves moving between disciplines on a six monthly basis including Project Management, Project Controls, Risk, Construction, Commissioning and Pre-Operations. Day to day tasks are dependent upon the placement and discipline. My current placement involves me managing to small, Asset Care Projects, including Stakeholder Management, Cost and Schedule Management as well as managing the day to day running of the project, while completing apprenticeship related tasks.

My skills in Stakeholder Management have increased greatly, and I feel like I have realised how imperative good, strong communications are with all those involved, to ensure that all parties have a common knowledge. As well as this I have developed my technical competence by using various, appropriate software's to support the project such as Risk Management and Scheduling Software.

Despite politics at times, I have loved the programme and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to complete this apprenticeship, to the best of my abilities. I have received support from both Line Management and Placement Managers that has been habitual throughout my training. This, alongside feeling enthusiastic to learn new techniques, knowledge and skills has increased my love for the programme.

When beginning my Apprenticeship, the structure of the course was not as organised as it is for current, new starters. My Project Management exams were not the correct ones and it was an arduous process to get an equivalency certificate to save me completing an identical exam with a different name. However, in terms of placements we generally find out in a timely manner where we will be moved to, but this is not always the case.

In terms of support within my Placement, it is consistent. I have been supported thoroughly to help me to achieve the best of my abilities. However, this is not always the case in terms of extra curricular activities, that despite increasing one's competence and skills are not always supported.

The support received from University of Cumbria has been above average. Lecturers are on hand to help and clarify any necessary questions, which is useful when only attending day release once per week throughout the programme. I would recommend the scheme to anyone though, and can praise UOC's support.

I'm unsure as to whether the majority of my qualifications do help within my role. I work in an industry where we have industry specific processes, techniques and approaches that differ from differ from what Project Management Professional Bodies would consider to be best practice. However, there are opportunities to put my learning into practice and that does aid me at times.

I attend a number of extra curricular activities that have I have became involved with through my own drive to be involved, learn and network. This involves attending Professional Body Events, attending out of hours conferences and numerous networking events, many based around Women in Project Management or in the Nuclear Industry.

Yes

Sellafield Limited is a highly reputable company and not many have the opportunity to complete a degree level apprenticeship in such an interesting industry. Working on the site provides me with knowledge and experience that would be hard to find elsewhere, certainly locally. It provides me with a wide range of working experiences and the opportunity to progress and adapt, while working with a wealth of project professionals.

Preparation is key when it comes to applications. Complete research about Sellafield Limited's current mission and how the site is shifting its strategy and moving into decommissioning. Speak to others you know who can provide you with experience and knowledge that you wouldn't necessarily find elsewhere. Preparing really did benefit me.