Aspire Project Manager Review
at Great Western Railway
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Project Management
Exeter
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I worked as a Project Manager during my apprenticeship, in the Third-Party and New Stations team. My focus was on the delivery on projects affecting the live operational railway but also on bringing new lines and stations into service. My role had a great variety of experience and opportunity.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme was great with interesting work and practical application of the theory knowledge I was gaining through College. The opportunity has led me to a permanent Project Manager role within GWR and without this opportunity I wouldn't be where I am today.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned a huge amount - new skills including Project Management, stakeholder engagement, communication skills, business development knowledge and also assessment knowledge. I have developed my confidence and ability to manage multiple workstreams and knowledge inputs.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was structured well with a full introduction to the section of the business I was working in with key managers and leaders. The Exeter College element was put together well, with the knowledge building up every couple of weeks, the layers of theory we were learning supporting previously developed skills.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employed, GWR, were fully supportive of my apprenticeship throughout the programme with regular 1-2-1s and check-ins with my mentor, they also offered a further mentor position who was there to make sure the business was supporting me and giving me the resources and experiences I required to complete my programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Exeter College were incredibly supportive during the programme with the 8-weekly review providing a great experience. Further to that my tutor was reliable, available and always able to provide additional time or resource to support my programme and qualification. This provided me with the confidence in the training package to push myself on projects knowing I had my tutor and the College in my corner supporting me with theory and knowledge.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Having a project management qualification is such a key theoretical cornerstone of my role - this, partnered with experience means I can be in a great position to complete my work. Experience is vital too but having the theory to back it up and understand the project industry I work in is crucial.
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
There are multiple additional activities I can take part in - professional networking is taking place as our industry moves towards a fully Nationalised model (rail). Further to this we have employee networks which have shared interests including activities and sports teams.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Great Western Railway to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Our business has a huge impact on people all over our network and we take this responsibility seriously, GWR respond to this by taking customer needs seriously and empowering people who work here to do the right thing for customers. This, along with the benefits offered like travel perks both national and international along with other benefits make this a great place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Great Western Railway?
Safety and customers come top, being able to show a dedication to acting in a safe way will be crucial along with customer empathy and compassion. We need serious people who can respond to pressure and act in a methodical way. We abide by a rulebook and understanding this is crucial for anyone applying to work here.
