Project Manager Review

I work closely with Engineers to improve infrastructure and machinery on site. It is interesting to work close to the machines and the products to see how my work makes a difference. Within my role, I independently oversee the projects within certain areas of site. I will support the project data inputted by the engineers working on the projects through challenging incorrect figures, improving processes and providing guidance or training when needed.
Alongside this, I get involved in several other business activities working alongside Finance, Procurement, Strategy Planning and Governance Teams. I will also lead several meetings with Senior Leaders within the business to communicate changes I have implemented, project statuses and updates on the work packages I have been given.

I feel that the programme is now really well structured and really clear. In my first few years on the scheme there were several changes in staff and processes which was quite unsettling. However, over the past two years I have really seen an improvement to the processes and feel really supported by the programme team within the company. I feel confident that I will be well prepared for my End Point Assessment when the time comes.

The support has been fantastic for me. I have several points of contact from the Early Careers team that I can contact if I need support on either a professional and personal level.
Outside of the Early Careers team, my line manager and colleagues support me and my development and I feel I am able to voice any concerns I may have. If I did not feel comfortable doing so, I have a wide network within BAE and would be able to reach out to several people if I needed support or guidance.

The Training Provider for the degree has recently been unclear, uncommunicative and unsupportive. I am approaching the end of my degree and feel that I am unable to predict or control my final grade as my assignment grades are inconsistent due to lack of support. The training provider has changed for all Project Management apprentices in the years below mine due to the contract being taken away from the provider. Whilst the younger years should have a more positive experience and may not experience the same issues, our year are currently struggling. BAE Early Careers are working to address the concerns we have raised about the provider and are going to implement extra support for our cohort.

I feel that the degree and APM Qualification have both supported my knowledge and understanding of the business and project management, especially early on within the scheme. Now I feel that the degree is becoming less useful alongside my role as project management is heavily dependent on context, so one process that I will be taught at University may not be applicable to my role.
Overall I do feel that the degree will benefit my progression within the business.

Yes

The opportunities within the business, support and benefits (e.g. salary, pension, SIP share scheme etc.) make BAE incredibly attractive. Since joining the apprenticeship, a number of my friends and family members have applied to work within the company. I am a big advocate for degree apprenticeships in general, however if someone is considering a business, finance, IT or Engineering related degree, I would strongly advise they look into an apprenticeship within BAE Systems