Junior Project Manager Review
at The Co-op
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
3 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.6/5
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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
I'm a junior project manager, which involves managing smaller projects independently or supporting more senior colleagues with larger, more complex projects. This involves standard PM tasks such as managing the project plan, budget, resources, risks and issues, change control, etc. It also involves a lot of engaging with various stakeholders, some very senior through executive steering groups.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
The programme itself has been quite hard work as it's felt like an independent journey of self-study. An outline of the programme is provided with key milestones to hit, e.g. sitting the PFQ exam, sitting the PMQ exam, completing the portfolio of evidence, but other than, there's been little active support. I haven't minded this too much as I'm comfortable working alone, but it has been difficult at times and made the programme a little less enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have definitely developed existing skills during my apprenticeship. I've been involved in the world of projects for over 2 years now and garnered a lot of knowledge on-the-job, but the theoretical knowledge I have gained has helped me in my day to day role as I've had the confidence to question ways of working or decisions, based on the theory of the methodology.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
The high level structure and organisation is fine, it's generally clear what you need to be aiming for, but at a lower level, the organisation is quite poor. Meetings with tutors are arranged at late notice with no consideration for other commitments, I didn't receive invites to group sessions. Tools aren't explained and so I feel a little lost using them.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer has done everything they need to in allowing me to take the time I need to be successful on this programme. I suspect if we hadn't been working from home as frequently as we have over the past year, that they would have pushed for a more collaborative approach between the numerous colleagues taking part.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
Very little support is provided. They gave access to a website with training materials, but I found the official APM study guide more useful. I have been assigned a personal tutor but find the meetings with them to be more of a tick box exercise than something which adds value to my work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification is definitely helping me in my role. It has helped me develop a theoretical understanding of how I should approach managing projects and I'm able to apply that to real world scenarios and adjust my ways of working to match. It's also given me the confidence to question others, because I know my queries are founded in solid theory.
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
Yes, there are lots of opportunities for extra-curricular activities and they cover a wide range of things such as training courses, networking events, volunteering and social activities. There are specific opportunities within teams and departments but also company wide opportunities which are shared via internal comms sent to all colleagues.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Co-op is a great place to work, it's very inclusive and actively encourages everyone to be themselves, always. This creates a really nice, safe environment. There are also lots of opportunities to develop, internal and external training courses, a wide range of experienced colleagues to learn from. Plus there are great company benefits.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op?
Don't try and pretend to be someone you're not to get through an interview. The best approach is to be yourself and if you're right for the job and the job is right for you, you'll get it. Focus on behaviour in your interview prep; how something you did demonstrated a behaviour, rather than just the outcome for the business.
Undergraduate Ethics, Sustainability, and Food Policy Coordinator
at The Co-op
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Manchester
-
4.7
