Apprenticeship Project Manager Review
at BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Preston
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
Managing project budget, prioritizing customer requirements, allocating company resource. I am responsible for the overall project and programme management, being given a lot of responsibility that I don't think you would get at a different organization. I am also tasked with communicating with stakeholders as well as being trusted to lead key customer reviews and meetings.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the programme that I am on. I don't think that you would get the same level of support and opportunities in a different organisation. There are various travel opportunities that will be available to you throughout this apprenticeship. I have been able to complete a degree whilst getting paid!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The main skill that I have developed so far in my apprenticeship is an increase in my level of confidence when communicating. With the responsibility that I have, I have also developed on both a personal and professional level, where I have been able to mature in a fast paced environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
This programme is very well structured, there is a support structure in place with skill coaches who will guide you through the programme. There is a clear placement structure where you will spend 1 year on each placement, giving you the opportunity to see many different sectors of the business.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is always a high level of support available on a daily basis from the employer. You are allocated an individual skill coach who you can go and get support from as and when required. There is also a large early careers team who will offer support to you throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. Having a direct line manager also ensures that you have a direct line of contact that you can go to if you have any issues/concerns.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
There is a large amount of support offered from the employee when working towards my qualifications. They are very accommodating and ensure that all university work can be completed on time. If you are struggling with degree work, there is support that can be offered from the employee to ensure that uni work does not fall behind.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
There are some links between the project manager apprenticeship and the day to day role. The degree ensures that we have a solid base of knowledge which we can transfer to the bigger picture at BAE Systems. Upon the first 2 years, the day to day roles become a lot more challenging and it is harder to directly cross transfer the skills learned at university. However, I believe that the degree gives you a vast understanding of PM which makes it easier to understand tasks at work.
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
There are many extra curricular activities that you can get involved with at BAE Systems. The employer encourages you to get involved with extra curricular activities as this will go towards you wider development needed to complete the apprenticeship. This can include additional learning, sports clubs and groups that can be found within the organisation.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE to a friend as you will gain many skills throughout the apprenticeship as well as being exposed to various opportunities that i do not believe you would get via a different apprenticeship programme. The pay that you receive is very generous and will support you towards building a future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Learn about the organisation! do not go into an interview not knowing anything about the organisation. Be yourself, let your personality shine through and show off any pervious experiences that you have generated. If applying for an apprenticeship make sure that you speak about the levels of teamwork needed to work in an organisation such as BAE systems.
