Project Control Apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I am able to access the files that contain information about labour hours. In my role I use these numbers to complete spreadsheets so that I can keep track of how many hours each member of the team books against each different contract number and task. This information can be compared to how many hours the team thought they would need per month to complete the task and by comparing the two the team can see if they need to step up or step down their work rate.

I have learned how to use formulae in excel and how to use the excel software in a number of different ways in order to analyse and present data in a more palatable manner for the audience. I have learned about processes common to project control for example, configuration control, change control requests, formation of work packages and the Work Breakdown Structure.

I enjoy the new learning involved in my program, understanding the reasoning behind the processes that I need to use in order to keep track of spend and analyse data to help teams understand how a project is going. Developing team skills such as communication and collaboration and developing relationships with new people is enjoyable too.

The programme is well organised, there is time each week for "Off the Job" activities and these can include new learning opportunities from around the business. There is a weekly college session that has online resources that can be accessed all the time. The tutors organise sessions that are structured and take you through content in a meaningful manner.

The employer provides time to attend college and any extra activities. The employer provides many opportunities for online learning. There are systems in place where you can go to ask for more information on how to complete particular tasks and information about the correct procedures for each task that is needed to be completed.

The training provider offers access to HELMs which is an excellent group of people able to assess and give feedback on your individual pieces of work. Tutors offer one to one sessions that enable you to ask for more detail and have work checked to their expectations and standards. The tutors give feedback on how they want your assignments to look.

The training provider gives background reading and understanding of the processes in place in the business. This allows you to understand why certain activities are done in the way they are. It has also allowed better understanding of team dynamics and how to interact with others in the team and be effective in meetings and getting your point across.

There are opportunities for interactions with other apprentices organised by the company and interactions in the form of forums. There are specially organised tours for the early career apprentices and engagement sessions that are online. There has also been an event organised specifically for PM and PC which all members of the PM and PC function have been invited to attend and it will be held off site.

Yes

The hours of work are flexible, which means you can fit in around family life more easily. The pay, and benefits including cycle to work scheme and share scheme are very good and offer financial security as well as the pension scheme. The working environment and care (including SHE policies) are also very good).

Be as honest as you can and make sure you have experiences that can be related to the different behaviours such as collaboration, communication, leadership, having integrity and being impartial, innovative, adaptable, accountable and pre-emptive. These are important to the business of BAE as they want all their employees to be able to work together and enjoy working with each other and do good work whilst developing professionally and personally.