PMO Professional / Project Manager Apprentice Review

Supporting project manager and PMO activties such as writing up detailed project plans and schedules, proposals, change notes, managing risks, resource, costs, issues, documentation, and attending/chairing customer and internal calls.

Yes, it was my first job in a coporate company so I defintely learnt and developed skills such as risk management, resource management, communication, conflict resolution, business finance, operations management, document management etc. I also expanded my skills on tools like Microsoft Excel, Visio, PPT and Project.

I enjoyed the programme due to having a great team around me and also support from my skills coach from QA. However it is also very stressful, espeically towards the end and at time apprentices can be used as resources to complete alot of admin based work that doesn't develop skill. But overall it was enjoyable.

I think the structure of the apprenticeship programme could be much better to help the apprentice manager workload with apprentice work, especially towards the end when multiple assignments and work is due for an apprentice - but this isn't an issue caused by BT, is is more due to the structure created by the training provider. I do believe BT is very supportive of apprentices, and very understanding when the apprenticeship workload is high - I was given some extra study days, and good support towards the end of my apprenticeship to help me complete all my work.

I recieved a great amount of support from BT as they: 1) Provided work that can help me meet my apprenticeship goals e.g. skills that I am required to demonstrate. 2) Provided 1 day off we week as a study day, to attend workshops for uni, or complete revision and assignments. 3) Provided support when workload became to high/unmanageable.

I recieved support from my skills coach continuously who i could call whenver I needed support, but we had a progress review every 6 weeks too so we could review my work. I also had support an academic team and tutor each term.

The chartered manager degree qualification covers many different areas of management and operations that would be useful i believe in any role and career.

There are plenty of opportunities to take part in volunteering, networking, professional and social events etc.

Yes

Overall, I think BT has been a really great place to work with plenty of opportunities, and support to help an apprentice like me grow in skills and experience. There are also verious business units, departments etc as it is huge coporation, which is beneficial in exploring different career paths in the same company. BT genuinely cares about training their apprentices, and helping them in their careers.

I would advise to research in detail the degree/programme you are applying for e.g. if it is a business management apprenticeship, then ensure you find out what degree exactly will be included, research what skills this will help you develop, find out what department/unit you will be working in. And if you are accepted into BT in a specific department, dont let that stop you from reaching out to seniors and directors in other departments - have a quick call with them to understand what their department does and what a career path in that area could look like.