Apprentice Project Manager Review
at Arcadis
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
Tracking & Document Control: Maintaining trackers such as the BPSS Security Clearance database, ITT and tender document logs, and risk/action registers to ensure project governance and compliance are maintained.
Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with clients [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], consultants, and internal leads (e.g. design, cost, PCI) to gather and consolidate project information.
Pre-Construction Support: Assisting with the preparation and review of project partnering agreements, tender documentation, and frameworks to align with delivery timelines and strategic goals.
Technical Understanding: Applying my construction technology and economics knowledge (gained through university modules and site exposure) to interpret design decisions, sustainability requirements, and procurement strategies.
Security & Compliance: Managing updates to clearance databases, verifying team compliance with BPSS/SC protocols, and liaising with security teams where needed.
Team Communication: Participating in team meetings, supporting new starter onboarding, and preparing written reports or slide packs for internal briefings or client-facing updates.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
The apprenticeship allows me to grow professionally and personally—learning how to communicate across disciplines, manage risk, and contribute meaningfully to a team. It’s also empowering to gradually step into more responsibility, knowing I’m supported in doing so.
That said, there are moments where the workload between university and work deliverables becomes intense. But I see this as a challenge that’s shaping me into a resilient and strategic project manager, which aligns with my long-term goals.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Project planning and tracking
Document management and formatting
Cross-discipline communication
Construction-specific economic and technical appraisal
Understanding public-sector procurement
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
However, I’ve found that certain parts—like tracking deliverables between work and university expectations—could benefit from more integration or alignment, especially when deadlines overlap. A centralised overview of key submission dates and work milestones would help apprentices manage their time even more effectively.
Despite this, I feel supported and guided, and I know who to go to when I need help. With each year, the programme becomes more tailored to my interests, which keeps me engaged and motivated.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
Managers and colleagues regularly check in, offer feedback, and are open to answering questions. This support has made me feel included and respected within the team. I’ve also been given access to tools, trackers, and real project frameworks that enhance my learning and understanding of the real project management environment.
That said, at times when multiple project deadlines and university submissions overlap, more structured support or flexibility would be helpful—especially during particularly demanding periods. But overall, I feel seen and valued, and I know I can reach out when I need to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
When I’ve engaged directly with tutors, they’ve been responsive and supportive, and I feel they genuinely want to help me succeed. That said, sometimes the structure of feedback could be clearer or more personalised—especially when understanding assignment expectations early in the module.
Overall, the provider gives me the space to learn independently while still offering support when I seek it, which works well with how I learn best.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
I find myself applying module content directly to tasks such as reviewing tender documents, tracking project data, or understanding cost/value implications. Having academic insight allows me to ask better questions and engage more critically with consultants and stakeholders — which is exactly what I need to grow into a strong Project Manager.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
There are occasional opportunities to get involved in graduate or early careers socials, and I’ve been encouraged to connect with other apprentices, graduates, and project teams across regions. While there isn’t a huge emphasis on sports or casual clubs (at least in my experience so far), there’s definitely room for involvement if you’re proactive — and I feel comfortable suggesting or joining things that align with my interests.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Arcadis to a friend?
Why?
I’ve felt trusted and respected as an apprentice, and I’ve been given opportunities to grow in both technical and soft skills. Arcadis also encourages you to explore your interests — whether that’s sustainability, innovation, or international work — and supports your development if you take initiative.
It’s a place where you can build a long-term career if you're proactive, ask questions, and take responsibility for your own progress.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Arcadis?
Demonstrate emotional intelligence. Arcadis values collaboration and self-awareness just as much as technical knowledge.
Tailor your application to the impact Arcadis has. Research their work in sustainability, social value, or government infrastructure — and show how your interests align with those missions.
Be ready to step up early. You’ll be trusted with real responsibilities from the start, so be open to learning on the job, asking for support, and owning your development.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Arcadis embraces different perspectives. If you’re authentic and driven, people will notice — and support you.