Project Manager Review

Over the course of the 5 year project management degree apprenticeship you are split into 5 placements. Due to the size of BAE Systems the scope of these placements offer great variety but will be associated to project management, project control, bid management, or closely related functions such as procurement or commercial.

BAE Systems develops your skills and competencies greatly through on the job placements as well as internal and external training courses offered. You also will receive you APM project management qualification in year 1. You will achieve your foundation degree in project management in year 3, as well as working towards your Batchelors of Science in project management in year 5. In addition you will achieve a level 6 apprenticeship qualification.

The roles that are on offer are very interesting and the people in the business support your development. There is a great early careers infrastructure, however, the organisation of the apprenticeship is sometimes lacking. Academically, the standard of teaching is very high with the head of course a higher education award winner/

Internally, the structure of early careers is very robust in the business. My year experienced a lot of change - the course changed 3 times - but despite this it never served to feel overwhelming. The amount of work expected for the portfolio is high and in busy times can be stressful if you're not used to it.

There are many support options both professionally and personally by the employer. Due to the size of the business there bound to be some placements that offer less support to apprentices, however, the early careers team will listen to any complaints and make changes when they need to happen. There is a high demand for apprentices within the business meaning only the best placements are resourced.

The Batchelors of science in project management is accredited by the university of Lancaster (a leading uni) and delivered by Blackpool and Fylde college. As I moved down south during the apprenticeship to a different office - online teaching has been available throughout my time on the scheme.

The APM qualification you get is a professional standard which is a requirement by most employers for project management professionals, making it directly applicable. The degree offer a more in depth academic insight in the project management practice and teaches you valuable critical analysis skills you would usually find in uni.

During COVID there has certainly been less to note. However, we are starting to see various activities become more available as some people return to the office. The main site Warton, has a gym next to the site as well as a leisure centre complete with pool, darts and football pitches.

Yes

It is a great company for development, early on in your career. It provides you with the experience to become an effective project professional and the qualification to go along with it. They pay good and you have the opportunity to work around the country and beyond in various secondment placements.

Make sure you research the company before you submit your application. Properly prepare for your interview do not try and wing it. It isn't easy to get into the apprenticeship but once you are in the company treat you very well. Use the website to get an understand of the sort of thing BAE Systems do.