Project Manager Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Engineering
Christchurch, Dorset
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4.2 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
Over the course of the 5 year project management degree apprenticeship you are split into 5 placements. Due to the size of BAE Systems the scope of these placements offer great variety but will be associated to project management, project control, bid management, or closely related functions such as procurement or commercial.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The roles that are on offer are very interesting and the people in the business support your development. There is a great early careers infrastructure, however, the organisation of the apprenticeship is sometimes lacking.
Academically, the standard of teaching is very high with the head of course a higher education award winner/
Academically, the standard of teaching is very high with the head of course a higher education award winner/
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
BAE Systems develops your skills and competencies greatly through on the job placements as well as internal and external training courses offered.
You also will receive you APM project management qualification in year 1. You will achieve your foundation degree in project management in year 3, as well as working towards your Batchelors of Science in project management in year 5. In addition you will achieve a level 6 apprenticeship qualification.
You also will receive you APM project management qualification in year 1. You will achieve your foundation degree in project management in year 3, as well as working towards your Batchelors of Science in project management in year 5. In addition you will achieve a level 6 apprenticeship qualification.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Internally, the structure of early careers is very robust in the business. My year experienced a lot of change - the course changed 3 times - but despite this it never served to feel overwhelming. The amount of work expected for the portfolio is high and in busy times can be stressful if you're not used to it.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There are many support options both professionally and personally by the employer. Due to the size of the business there bound to be some placements that offer less support to apprentices, however, the early careers team will listen to any complaints and make changes when they need to happen. There is a high demand for apprentices within the business meaning only the best placements are resourced.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The Batchelors of science in project management is accredited by the university of Lancaster (a leading uni) and delivered by Blackpool and Fylde college. As I moved down south during the apprenticeship to a different office - online teaching has been available throughout my time on the scheme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The APM qualification you get is a professional standard which is a requirement by most employers for project management professionals, making it directly applicable.
The degree offer a more in depth academic insight in the project management practice and teaches you valuable critical analysis skills you would usually find in uni.
The degree offer a more in depth academic insight in the project management practice and teaches you valuable critical analysis skills you would usually find in uni.
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
During COVID there has certainly been less to note. However, we are starting to see various activities become more available as some people return to the office. The main site Warton, has a gym next to the site as well as a leisure centre complete with pool, darts and football pitches.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great company for development, early on in your career. It provides you with the experience to become an effective project professional and the qualification to go along with it. They pay good and you have the opportunity to work around the country and beyond in various secondment placements.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Make sure you research the company before you submit your application. Properly prepare for your interview do not try and wing it. It isn't easy to get into the apprenticeship but once you are in the company treat you very well. Use the website to get an understand of the sort of thing BAE Systems do.
