Project Manager Review

As an apprentice project manager, my day involves assisting and shadowing a senior project manager. I am involved in planning, budgeting, taking meeting minutes, communicating with key stakeholders and administrative work. Project management is a diverse role, and the tasks day to day can differ which makes the role exciting and challenging. As i have gained new skills i have taken on more responsibilities such as being part of creating user guides for the organisation to use for a project i was involved in.

Since starting the role of apprentice project manager my skills and knowledge has drastically improved, and i feel much more confident and accomplished as a project manager. Some of my new skills are strong communication, leadership and problem solving. As well as this during the apprenticeship programme i will gain 2 new qualifications; a level 4 APM qualification in project management, as well as a BPP associate project management qualification. These qualification will help to improve my skill set to become a better project manager, but also help in the future if i leave the organisation, as these are well established, industry recognised qualifications.

I am happy that i chose project management as a career path, because it is an interesting, fast paced and exciting job role, which gives you the opportunity to meet lots of different people around the organisation. I enjoy the day to day tasks i am responsible for and this keeps me motivated. I also enjoy my companies values and get along well with my colleagues and team. This has helped me to settle into my first office based job well and made me feel comfortable and confident. I also get great support from my line manager to give me guidance, advice and help with my tasks, to ensure i can become a competent project manager.

My apprenticeship has been a good experience for my self. However when i first started the apprenticeship the training provider, lacked support and guidance, however after addressing the issue the support and training has been good. I have felt well informed on what studying, and work i had to do, and have always felt if i had any problems or concerns i had my coach and mentor to go to, in order to resolve the issue.

Throughout the apprenticeship, i have had great support from my employer, I always have regular catch ups with my line manager to check how i am feeling, how i am coping with work, and what targets i have in place. I have also had regular team meetings to feel included as part of the team, and to be updated on the team and organisation. I also have often catch ups with the other apprentices in my organisation, which is helpful to see how others are finding the apprenticeship. The organisation has had a positive attitude to the apprentices, and i have always felt people in the organisation have always gone out of their way to help the apprentices. Overall, i feel i have had lots of helpful and positive support from my employer, peers and organisation.

Throughout the apprenticeship my provider has improved with its level of support, as when i first started their was sometimes a lack of support and clarity. However, as the apprenticeship has progressed the support has improved. I often have regular catch ups with my BPP mentor to check how i am doing, if i have any problems or concerns, ask what projects i am involved in and ensure i am getting the correct study time as well as enough hands on experience. This has been good to give me reassurance i am doing well and am on the right tracks to achieve a good grade in the apprenticeship.

I am confident the qualification will help me to become a more competent project manager and will help me to fulfil my role. The exam topics are relevant to my day to day role, so i have been able to contextualise my learning, which has helped me to learn and understand the topics. Through the qualification my skills and knowledge has drastically improved, which makes me feel more confident i can perform better in my current role.

There are several extra-curricular activities in my organisation such as quiz nights, sport team such as football and archery. There are also religious groups you can join, as well as fun activities like laser tag or bowling. My organisation also has a free on site gym we can use.

Yes

My organisation stands for great values, and is a friendly work environment, with lots of opportunity for career progression and growth. There are lots of different roles available and there are lots of extra curricular activities to get involved in to make new friends and feel like a part of the organisation.

My advice for anyone else looking to join the financial ombudsman is to learn and understand the core values of the organisation, and understand what the ombudsman does and to learn what role you wan to undertake within the organisation