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Project Management Apprentice Review

at Transport for Greater Manchester

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Project Management

Manchester

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

4.1 /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 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
3.8/5 - 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
As a Project Management Apprentice at TfGM, my day‑to‑day role involves learning while actively supporting real projects. I help planning, delivery and monitoring projects under the supervision of a manager. Develop strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
Complete structured training and evidence requirements for your qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy being on my apprenticeship programme because it gives me the chance to grow both professionally and personally. I get 20% of my working time to focus on my portfolio and apprenticeship tasks, which really helps me keep on top of my learning while still contributing to my projects. Moving around different teams has given me a wide range of experience, helping me understand how different parts of TfGM operate and how projects come together. I also get to observe how senior managers work, which is inspiring and motivates me to develop the skills and confidence I need to progress into leadership roles in the future.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I’ve developed a wide range of new skills during my apprenticeship while also building on the transferable skills I brought from my previous job. Strong communication has become especially important in my role and I’ve learned how to approach negotiations more effectively by first understanding the situation, gathering the right evidence and using subject experts to support decision‑making. I’ve also found that lessons learned are a powerful way to save time and avoid repeating previous mistakes, helping me improve continuously and contribute more confidently to project outcomes.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The programme is well‑structured overall, and the training is designed to support apprentices through each stage of their development. Although the KSB requirements changed this year, which made things feel a little unclear at the beginning, the training provided helped to break everything down and once the finer details were clarified it became much more manageable. TfGM’s apprenticeship support framework emphasises clear guidance, structured learning and ongoing development which helps ensure apprentices can navigate changes confidently and progress effectively. I also had a buddy and a manager to help me navigate my way through the programme, which made a big difference in settling in and understanding expectations. My buddy was from the previous cohort, so they were able to share real first‑hand experience and guide me through the early stages, which really helped build my confidence.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received a good level of support from my employer throughout the programme. I wouldn’t say it was always smooth sailing, but there was definitely a strong support network around me that helped me work through challenges and stay on track. I had both a buddy and a manager to guide me, and my buddy was from the previous cohort, which meant they could give me real insight based on their own experience. If my line manager or project manager didn’t have the answer to something, they always had a senior manager they could approach for guidance. This reflects the wider support structure TfGM has in place for apprentices, where managers, the People Team, and training providers all play a role in making sure apprentices are never left without help when they need it
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
They delivered online Power Hour training sessions with a live tutor, which helped me understand key topics and ask questions in real time. We also had monthly catch‑ups and the frequency of these would change depending on my learning needs — for example, I needed a few extra sessions when I was preparing my portfolio and again before my EPA. My tutor worked part‑time, so sometimes responses took a little longer, but she always replied to emails and marked work when she had time. Overall, there was a consistent support network in place through the training provider, which aligns with how apprentices at TfGM are guided through check‑ins and structured learning as part of their programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification really helps me perform better in my role because it builds directly on the real project work I’m doing day‑to‑day. The structured learning gives me the theory behind the tasks I’m already involved in, which helps consolidate my understanding and gives me more confidence when applying project management techniques in practice. The apprenticeship framework is designed to combine on‑the‑job experience with off‑the‑job learning, meaning everything I learn feeds straight back into my role and strengthens my skills, knowledge, and behaviours as I progress through my 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.)
5/5
Yes, there are several extra‑curricular activities you can get involved in at TfGM. As part of the apprenticeship experience, there are opportunities to take part in experiences to better understand different parts of the Bee Network, which helps you see how other teams and departments operate. You can also attend learning lunches, skills workshops and other professional development events that run regularly across the organisation, including during National Apprenticeship Week. These events support networking, learning and meeting colleagues from across TfGM. There are also opportunities to visit different sites, such as the Bury Interchange or operational depots, which give hands‑on insight into how the wider organisation functions and connects your learning directly to real operational environments.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Transport for Greater Manchester to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend TfGM as a workplace because it genuinely supports flexible and remote working, which makes it much easier to balance work with personal responsibilities. TfGM’s Flexible Working Policy highlights that all employees can access both formal and informal flexibility from day one, helping colleagues balance wellbeing and home life. Their Hybrid Working Policy also encourages flexible hours and remote working, allowing people to adjust their working patterns around personal commitments such as childcare, without the pressure of clocking in strictly at 9am. This understanding approach to personal situations creates a supportive environment where you can get your children to school, manage home life and still deliver your best work. Overall, TfGM promotes a culture of trust, wellbeing, and flexibility, which makes it a great place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for Greater Manchester?
Sometimes the grass is greener!
In This Review
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