Making it happen, apprentice-style.

Halfway through National Apprenticeship Week, it's time to check in with a Level 4 Associate Project Manager and a Level 6 Project Manager degree apprentice.

Chris Sadler, HS2

This apprenticeship has given me an incredible start to the world of work, providing me with great experiences on the job whilst still learning! I knew an apprenticeship was right for me as I wanted to get out and learn from the best in the industry - this is the best way of doing that and it's why I chose an apprenticeship as my next career step.

Studying for both the Association for Project Management (APM) PFQ and PMQ whilst being at work has allowed me to apply the knowledge I learn to my everyday work allowing me to better understand and develop myself. This is one of the great benefits of being an apprentice and the key reason anyone should consider an apprenticeship route. An apprenticeship allows for a change in career, allows you to face new challenges and can give you the experience you need to get where you want to be.

I have had been given lots of responsibility which has aided my progression and ability as a Project Manager, building invaluable relationships within the workplace. Since I started at HS2 I have been able to voice my views with experienced heads, as well as asking for advice when needed. This shows that the environment we work in is one with respect and integrity, the perfect place to develop myself and my career. I’ve had the opportunity of delivering a project to the HS2 CEO and Executive Leadership Team, again showing the open and transparent environment we work in. As an apprentice I have been given the freedom to explore different functional areas which has significantly enhanced my knowledge of project management, the rail industry and construction.

My next steps are to complete my apprenticeship and take on a full-time role at HS2. This is something that I can’t wait for and that I’m sure will bring new challenges for me!

Josh Wilkinson, BAE Systems

My initial thoughts on apprenticeships before I started to apply were that they were only offered to manual labour professions. I didn't realise that the majority of professions offered an apprenticeship route, or that you could also earn a degree through one.

My apprenticeship is a five-year scheme with five 12-month placements across the organisation. Alongside these five placements I am also being sponsored to study towards an degree in project management at Lancaster University. The roles that I do differ year on year – I could be working in the R&T department one year, and then the next be working in manufacturing. As a project manager I get to experience all the core competencies in every role; project control, planning, risk management, estimating, stakeholder management and creating bids for future projects. 

I don’t think I have enough time to go through the countless skills and competencies I have gained from an apprenticeship. However the main one is the ability to compare practical application to theoretical principles. As I go to university one day a week, I learn the theoretical side of project management and all its theories. I can then take this knowledge into the workplace and see how it is applied practically with real world forces that aren’t accounted for in the textbook. 

The highlight for me has been all the international travel I have done. I have been to the USA, Saudi Arabia, Austria and Germany – all in the space of four years. I have been able to experience other cultures and see some wonderful things, but also understand that the way in which we work differs. I don’t think you can truly understand this until you experience first-hand other cultures and ways of working.