Apprentice Project Manager Review
at NATS
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Engineering
Fareham
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
3.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
I complete various project management activities. Including raising purchase orders, communicating with suppliers, organising accommodation & travel for projects. Data analysis / reporting for multiple projects on a monthly basis. Planning project schedules and planning resources for said projects.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme is good. However currently, with COVID-19, it isn't great, however I assume this would be the same for almost everything in this current climate. The learning is harder to do whilst being stuck at home.
From a different perspective, I wasn't sure what to expect with project management before I started the course as I hadn't looked into the course that much beforehand - and I wish I had more of a hand's on approach to the project.
From a different perspective, I wasn't sure what to expect with project management before I started the course as I hadn't looked into the course that much beforehand - and I wish I had more of a hand's on approach to the project.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have progressed greatly my communication skills as I now communicate with suppliers, senior leadership members, engineers and more. I have learnt many new skills with regards to project management. For example what documentation and legislation needs to be produced for a project to be successful and more.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
From a NATS perspective I think the programme is well organised, they are quite good and responsible with our learning. With regards to the trainer, we actually use 'Saint Mary's Stadium' as a trainer. This is their preferred training style however I am not keen on their approach as the majority of the learning is self taught and I would prefer a more 'involved' approach.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Employer is great with support, my manager is a project manager so she is extremely helpful with answering various details and questions about what I am studying.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Support from Saint Mary's is okay. I am mainly not keen on their overall structure of learning, however they do try and offer support where they can. I would prefer to just even have set topics to learn each week (which we don't) instead of trying to manage everything ourselves.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Yes definitely understanding the theory behind project management has helped with my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes (before COVID obviously) I helped out with some early careers events, including going to represent NATS at career fairs. Christmas 2019 we had a 'early careers' Christmas party which was a fun event. There was a poster committee that we ran in our office area, making the early carers student's achievements public.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NATS to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great company to work for. They have many benefits, a great pension scheme, include a lot of perks, and have a large presence across the UK.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NATS?
Be prepared for the interview DAY, yes DAY! The whole interview process took roughly 5 hours. In the end it was fine and you just have to believe in yourself, as I thought I was underqualified for my role - however I was luckily successful.
