Apprenticeship: Project Management Level 4
- Job title: Education Projects Co-ordinator
- Department: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Training provider: Provek
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I had been in my role for one year when my manager suggested I should undertake an apprenticeship. This was not my first apprenticeship. I started a business administration apprenticeship in 2013. I also completed an undergraduate degree and a Master's in Education Management. I was an experienced manager in higher education, but I wanted to develop further. The apprenticeship levy makes it easy for staff to start an apprenticeship and my line manager was very supportive. We explored different apprenticeship standards and chose the level 4 Project Management standard. This was the best choice for my current role and future professional development.
What was your experience of the apprenticeship and your training provider?
I found the content of the apprenticeship to be challenging in areas. Even though I work in project management, I had never seen theoretical frameworks before. When I learned new concepts, it took me some time to understand them. However, working in my role helped me apply these ideas in context.
My apprenticeship was fully online with monthly training days. In the first 6 months, I learned the syllabus, did practice exams, and drafted a portfolio. I took my exam in month 9 of the 13-month apprenticeship. The last 3 months were for perfecting my portfolio. Halfway through, the syllabus changed, making the exam more accessible with diverse questions.
What went well?
I often tell people that the apprenticeship gave me a new way to see my role. Before, I had to reinvent the wheel to solve problems. Now, I have the toolbox to handle projects systematically and logically.
When I was undertaking the end-point assessment, I had used my new knowledge in my role for about eight months. I felt many benefits from the programme, which made me less nervous about the final assessment. I knew how much I had benefitted and didn't need a certificate to realise that.
The end-point assessment also helped me build confidence in public speaking. The assessors were supportive.
What have you learnt?
I have built a strong understanding of project management. This helps me excel in my role in ways that would have been limited otherwise. Since starting the apprenticeship, my leadership team has given me projects where I can use my new skills right away. They seem more confident in assigning me to advanced projects.
What next?
For now, I am content to be utilising the knowledge I have learned in the apprenticeship. I would be very open to doing another apprenticeship in the future – potentially my third!
"Apprenticeships are not just for entry-level positions. Anyone who has the time and can put the work in could benefit from the wide array and level of apprenticeship standards available."