Apprentice Project Manager Review

I work on a placement within a team, delivering a project to improve the lives of Londoners. I attend regular meetings, gaining an insight into how the project comes together. One day a month, I have a college day and I dedicate one day a week to studying. This makes up the 20% off the job training.

I have been working at TfL for a month now and already I have learnt so many new skills and developed my existing skills. I now am good at using Microsoft Excel (which is used loads in project management), can make a product programme as well as my communication skills improving massively.

Every day before I start I genuinely look forward to working. My team are super helpful and laid back, understanding i'm an inexperienced apprentice who is learning on the job. The company focus massively on wellbeing and certainly make you feel valued. So far, it is meeting my expectations.

The induction to TfL was great and made you feel settled in straight away. We only receive training once a month but our teacher is fantastic. The team are really flexible with your studying and understand you need days where you should focus on that. I have a daily meeting with my placement line manager who gives me a lot of support and encouragement. You get tasks set straight away, which can be daunting but a good learning experience. Team hierarchy is made clear.

I receive so much support from my placement manager, I have daily catch ups which are great. HR and your apprenticeship sponsor are easy to contact if you have issues and mentoring is encouraged. Sometimes its hard getting quick support when working virtually however that was expected. The general attitude by everyone to you is fantastic, everyone wants you to achieve.

So far, it has been good. Sometimes it might take a while to get a response but the response is always informative. The teaching days are only once a month which leaves a bit of a gap in between each session. Once again though, they want the best for you and guide you along the way.

We get given a free study guide which is helpful and means you can refer to it regularly. The teacher is very knowledgeable so he can assist you when you have any general project management queries. This means I am performing better in my day to day role and helping my team.

There are a range of staff network groups such as RACE, Wellment and Religion. TfL run loads of events such as speakers, social events and groups. You can always suggest new group/extra curricular ideas which would be welcome. You learn a lot about extra curricular opportunities in your induction.

Yes

You feel valued and feel like you're contributing to keeping London moving. There is loads going on and you genuinely feel really supported. They want you to succeed and develop your career. If you feel something isn't right, they encourage speaking up and suggesting changes. This makes you feel comfortable, and as previously mentioned, valued.

*Include a cover letter in your application!!!*, speak about why you feel passionate about joining TfL, wow them. If you have a group assessment, speak up and make yourself heard. The interview isn't that scary, I'd recommend reading up on TfL facts and including it in your responses. The onboarding process is okay, however the onboarding phone line isn't always that helpful.