Project Management Apprentice Review
at Cavendish Nuclear
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Project Management
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
2.8 /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!
2/5
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Overview of Role
2/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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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:
2/5
My role involves supporting the project manager of a project / work package. On a day-to-day basis I get given tasks such as updating trackers, chasing people, researching, filling out forms etc.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
Due to moving around placements I've had a mixed experience. Some placements have had more work for me and I've been more involved, however others I have definitely been lacking work and feeling a bit lost in a team. I feel that I could be more useful in general. I feel that it's hard to enjoy work in this new age where people WFH and don't come into the office as you end up either coming in alone of just WFH. I feel that there isn't much of a community for the apprentices and that we are treated second class/overlooked compared to the graduates. The programme is fine but could definitely be improved.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
I have learnt excel and other Microsoft tools skills. I've developed skills such as talking to people and in meetings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
A bit mixed. Lots of confusion/challenges when it comes to our ECDRs. It takes a very long time for Early Careers to get back to us and sometimes just don't at all. Implementing new systems such as 'applying' for placements which hasn't been very well organised and doesn't really benefit apprentices anyway (more advantages for grads). From talking to other apprentices lots of us get confused by what's required from us from EC.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I would say I do receive support. This is especially through my line manager who is very supportive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My cohort and I ended up having to be pulled out from the first college that we attended due to the bad quality of education and support we were getting. We have now re-started our apprenticeship at a different college. We receive much better support form our new training provider. We have access to things such as academic writing and library help. I do feel that there is still some confusion from our teacher about what exactly is required for evidence etc.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
I don't feel that it massively helps because the qualification is very theory based. It's also uses quite simple/small projects for examples which is hard to relate to when we work in such a large company with large projects.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Yes there are a few extra-curricular activities. For example the University Engagement Programme and STEM events. However, I would say that we are lacking on more social activates such as socials or teams
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cavendish Nuclear to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a good company that provides experiences and a range of paths to choose. They're also supportive of work life balance and the health of everyone, good culture. However there are also downsides which I would make them aware of.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cavendish Nuclear?
Personality and enthusiasm to learn! You can teach an enthusiastic person anything! Research the company and industry and bring examples of personal skills.
