If you’re interested in learning more about a project management apprenticeship read our guidance.
Employ an apprentice
Apprenticeships are a key part of our drive to develop existing project professionals and attract talent, both from education and other careers.
Apprentices bring many benefits to your business. These include increased productivity, improved competitiveness, and a committed, skilled workforce.
See the case studies on this page for more reasons to offer project management apprenticeships in your business.
Level 4 & Level 6 apprenticeships
Since its inception, APM has been part of the pan-sector, employer-led group that developed both the Level 4 Associate Project Manager (maximum funding £6000) and the Level 6 Project Manager Integrated Degree (maximum funding £22000) apprenticeship standards in England. Those completing the degree apprenticeship will also graduate with a BSc Project Management degree.
Both apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment, which tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours that apprentices have learned on the programme. This assessment is a presentation and professional discussion based on project management experience. An end-point assessment organisation manages this process, separate from the training provider that delivers the rest of the programme.
Once you have identified a business need and decided which standard(s) you want to offer, you will need to find a training provider that delivers the programme. Each standard above shows which providers deliver each programme, and where in the country.
Business benefits
Both apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment, which tests the knowledge, skills and behaviours that apprentices have learned on the programme.
This assessment is a presentation and professional discussion based on project management experience. An end-point assessment organisation manages this process, separate from the training provider that delivers the rest of the programme.
The Apprenticeship Levy
Companies with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy. This is set at 0.5% of pay bill and this money can only be used for apprenticeship delivery.
Larger businesses can transfer a percentage of their unspent levy funds to other companies to help them deliver apprenticeships.
For the latest on the Apprenticeship Levy rules visit the government’s website.
The benefits of employing an apprentice
Testimonials from apprenticeship employers.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems has always taken on apprentices because they allow the company to undertake organic growth, according to Rifaaqat Ahmed, previously the project management skills coach at BAE Systems. “[Apprentices] provide valuable lifeblood to the company; the value of having a project management apprentice has been tenfold”.
Rifaaqat recommends all business and organisations to look into apprenticeships and work with learning schemes: “more and more young people are looking to become an apprentice as a first choice rather than university which is understandable as it provides on the job training and professional qualifications.”
It is a worthwhile venture, and “the organisation needs to be ready for an apprentice; they add a lot of value, but the value only comes if the apprentice is appreciated and mentored in the right way. You need to put value and effort into the apprentice for the company to reap the rewards. This means allowing time for the apprentice to develop their skills and then prove themselves. You also need to be aware that towards the end of the apprenticeship the apprentices will be under high pressure and so as a company you need to accommodate the time for them to study/revise for the same and help them with mock assessments.”
The personal development and growth from mentoring and coaching has benefited apprentices as well as Rifaaqat in his own career; he’s able to build new relationships with diverse people and strengthen his people management skills, as well as his project management skills: “they question old ideas which makes you change and adapt.”
Not only do apprentices benefit the projects the organisation is working on, but they also help the entire team develop themselves.
Image courtesy of BAE Systems: Rifaaqat Ahmed, left received the BAE Systems Early Careers special recognition award presented by Chris Boardman Managing Director, right
Pearson UK
Natalie Grant is the senior content delivery manager and a qualified project manager who decided to take on an apprentice, Claire, as part of her role as team manager at Pearson UK in 2019.
Many of the projects are bespoke so it can often be challenging when covering the APM topics that a project management apprentice needs for evidence, but it pushes the business, apprentice manager and project team to refresh themselves and create opportunities for the apprentice to flourish: “We have looked carefully at the topic/evidence requirements and talked through how Claire could approach this in her work environment and with her projects. We did this for earned value management (EVM) and our apprentice Claire set up a recorded conversation between two other project managers to discuss the use of EVM in the specific publishing environment in which we work.”
Apprentices learn on the job through unique experiences that businesses can provide; it’s a big win-win for the apprentice who wants to know more and the business that can nurture this talent and fill skill gaps in the business. Claire has worked so well that the delivery team often approach her with requests for resolution on supplier allocation, digital project issues and updates. She has worked hard to push herself and is now a content delivery manager.
Employing an apprentice is a rewarding experience that requires dedication from the project team and apprentice manager to guide, motivate and help them as they develop. Not only does the apprentice gain experience in a professional environment, but the project team benefits from having someone with fresh ideas; you get out what you put in and having an apprentice has certainly been worthwhile.
Based in Scotland?
If you are based in Scotland or Wales you will offer the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management. For more information on this apprenticeship, contact EAL.
Based in Northern Ireland?
If you are based in Northern Ireland, click here for more information on apprenticeships that relate to project management.
Advertise your apprenticeship
To advertise your project management apprenticeship vacancy through APM, contact APM Careers.
You can also advertise via your training provider on the find an apprenticeship website.
If you're interested in applying for a project management apprenticeship visit the GOV.UK website and check the site regularly for the latest updates.