Project Manager Review

Item: Project Manager at Department for Work and Pensions
Rating: 3.6
Author: Anonymous

at Department for Work and Pensions

Degree Apprenticeship

Project Management

Wigan

Review Submitted: March 2025

Overall Rating

3.6 /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 - 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:

4/5

I am project lead for two projects that aim to modernise the services/benefits for DWP Customers. This involves all aspects of project governance including stakeholder management, benefits, costs, risks etc. I also line manage three colleagues directly and two indirectly.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I have enjoyed the programme and the ability to learn news skills along with the practical experience. Also to immerse myself in higher education and obtain a degree.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

I have learnt the standard tools and techniques of project management (waterfall) along with some of the finance components. The apprenticeship has also focused on some of the softer skills of project management such as leadership and team work - understanding the dynamics.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

2/5

From a DWP perspective, support has been minimal however I was fully aware of whom to approach if needed, from a provider perspective the organisation and structure has been chaotic at times and poorly managed. Each semester there has been issues with timetables, teaching sessions, standardising of assignments across modules.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

My direct line manager has been very supportive but has less experience in formal project management than I. However I have not had any issues in securing the 20% on the job time needed to conduct the apprenticeship. I have not had much involvement with the formal support.

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

3/5

I have not accessed support such as HELMS as I heard conflicting experiences. Tutor support has been mixed throughout the four years. Some tutors are well versed in the subject whilst others have been focused purely on the academic rigours of the degree.

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

4/5

My qualification helps me to perform better in my role as I now have the basics of the project management tools and techniques that I was lacking before. The additional requirements of the L6 degree have helped me to improve my analytical skills and strategic thinking.

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.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Department for Work and Pensions to a friend?

Yes

Why?

The range of apprenticeships available as well as the ability to manage my time to undertake the degree. I have been employed by DWP for 30+ years yet still had the opportunity to improve my skills and knowledge.