Meet Chris, a Level 6 Project Manager at The Department For Education
Which apprenticeship are you doing?
I am currently doing a Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship. I have also completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and a Level 4 Business and Professional Administration apprenticeship.
What is your current job role?
I am currently a project manager leading on the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, and National Apprenticeship Week. This involves everything from business cases and procurement through to event delivery and communication planning. I also look after the budget for these projects, starting with forecasting spend and cash flow along with reconciling the spend. Another huge part of my role is stakeholder and supplier engagement. It is one of the most rewarding parts as it involves working with a wide range of people to ensure the projects run smoothly. This can be from contracted suppliers, local and national networks, and employers through to Ministerial offices and other Government Departments. It is an incredibly varied job, and it is amazing to celebrate the real-life experiences of apprentices across the Country. Within the Department, the team and I focus on the promotion, advocacy and celebrations of all things apprenticeships and skills.
What has your apprenticeship journey been like?
My secondary school was an all-boys grammar school, and the focus for career discussions were very much focused on University or the military. I therefore followed the crowd, packed my bags, and headed for Aberystwyth University to study Geography. Whilst I loved my first-year studying, I realised that this was not the journey for me. After wrestling with the decision, I eventually stepped away from the course in my second year and began working. I then found the world of apprenticeships at a previous employer when I was given the opportunity to upskill. I completed my level 3 and I was hooked. I then searched for job roles related to apprenticeships and found a position with the Communications and Events team at the Skills Funding Agency. A part of my role was speaking at careers events and UCAS fairs to raise the awareness of apprenticeships. Fast forward 7 years, and I am still shouting about how great apprenticeships are!
What made you decide to do an apprenticeship following leaving University?
It seemed like a perfect way to upskill whilst I was working. At the time I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, but I thought having extra skills would never be a bad thing. Apprenticeships just felt like a natural fit as I was able to put theory into direct practise, and it meant that I could gain experience in the work place.
Did you have any concerns about changing your mind?
I did have concerns leaving University as I felt like I had failed. After a brilliant talk with my parents, they helped me realise that it wasn’t the case. In fact, they were prouder that I was prepared to make the tough decision and had given University a real go.
Do you have any recommendations on where others could go to get advice?
I was very lucky that my previous employer presented me with the different options available. If I was to give any advice on where to look, I would say the Find an Apprenticeship or National Apprenticeship Week website. Alternatively, reach out to your local Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN) and see what is out there. The main thing is that the apprenticeship world is full of so many incredible people that genuinely want to help you to reach your potential, so please reach out and ask for help.
What was the search and application process like for apprenticeships?
The searching for the right apprenticeship does take time. It is a big decision, and there are so many routes or employers to choose from. Once I found what I wanted to do, the application process was easy to follow but took a lot of dedication to ensure I gave myself the best chance. My university and career experience has helped me through the process, whether that was how to navigate and research for different courses or providing me with examples that I could use in my application forms or interviews.
What would your advice be to others considering swapping pathways to an apprenticeship?
I would say go for it! Just make sure you do your research into the potential apprenticeship and employer to make sure it is the right fit for you. A lot of employers hold or attend careers fair, so try and visit so that you can talk to apprentices that are on your course. Also, reach out to the AAN – each region has a wealth of employers and apprentices that would be happy to answer any queries you may have, or sign post you to the best places.
Finally, just do what is right for you! Your path may not be the same as others, or even the same as you originally planned, and that is okay! Apprenticeships give you so many transferable skills, setting you up with skills for life! They also give you the opportunity for progression, so don’t worry about the level of the apprenticeship, just find the one that fits you best. Who knows where it could take you…..