Project Professional Apprentice Review

Item: Project Professional Apprentice at Defence Equipment & Support
Rating: 3.7
Author: Anonymous

at Defence Equipment & Support

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Business Operations

Bristol

Review Submitted: April 2021

Overall Rating

3.7 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role

3/5 - 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:

4/5

Working in project controls, risk and scheduling currently. Management of the risks to our project, along with updates to schedules. Stakeholder engagement, regular meetings virtually, upkeep of communications via teams, skype and outlook. Project performance management and learning from experienced DE&S personnel.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I really enjoy the scheme im on, the opportunities have been fantastic. Working from home has been challenging but Ive learnt to adapt and overcome those challenges. I passed the APM PMQ exam which was a brilliant tutor led course. Would recommend this course.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

3/5

Absolutely. I've developed skills with time management, people management, leadership and the improvement of tools used. Word, powerpoint & excel e.g. utilised the importance of dashboards and how this impacts project performance and monthly drumbeat reviews, scheduled meetings and data analysis with earned value management.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

Its run well enough for us to pass I believe, however there has been a lot of miss-communication which has affected certain aspects. For example, an issue with pay increases and the dates given for our exam and end point assessment. This could be area for LFE.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

3/5

We are supported by our placement team and I have a direct delivery manager and a mentor. The scheme are available if we require assistance but we arent contacted too often. We have reviews every 8 weeks.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

In the build up to the APM exam I had a fantastic tutor and attended 2 study days every 6 weeks, we were provided with the right content of information and available learning booklets online which were easily accessible. The portfolio is different and difficult.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

The learning of the APM topics whilst undertaking 2 placements were very useful, especially for risk management and scheduling.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

3/5

There is plenty to get involved in (prior to covid) we have a gym on site, groups available to join for sports, teams tend to go out socially (especially nandos close to work with our defence discount!)

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Defence Equipment & Support to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Great place to work, loads of opportunities and you are supported with your progression. I feel trusted in my role and not micro managed whereas before in other organisations I was.