At Baywater Healthcare, the apprenticeship scheme is something that we value very highly. When we offer apprenticeships to individuals, we commit to offering them training and expert knowledge to develop the apprentice’s skills with the aim of them becoming full-time members of our team. We are also proud to be engaged in the T Level scheme. Alongside recruiting new apprentices, we also offer all our employees the opportunity to take on apprenticeships to develop their roles and learn valuable new skills, and we have witnessed first-hand the amazing impact that apprenticeships and upskilling can have for us as a company.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, some of our team at Baywater Healthcare who have undertaken apprenticeships have shared their experience of apprenticeships and the value that they provide. Today, Mike, one of our Project Managers, has told us all about his Associate Project Manager course and how it has benefited both him and the company.
What apprenticeship are you undertaking, and tell us a bit about the course?
I’m undertaking a Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, which lasts 20 months. The first half has involved an online learning session with my tutor, and the others on my course, at the start of each module (about every 5 weeks).
In between these sessions, we’ve had various tasks and assignments to complete. The second half of the course involves overseeing the entire life cycle of a project from initiation to closure.
What key skills have you learnt so far on your course?
Some of the skills I’ve learned include approaches to navigating conflict, negotiation skills, using appropriate estimation methods for the circumstances, and tracking progress of work to keep it on track within the constraints of its budget, timescale and expected quality.
How did the knowledge and skills learnt on your apprenticeship support you in your role?
Applying these new skills and knowledge in my day-to-day work has helped build stronger working relationships and support better decision-making, which should help provide more predictable project outcomes. There is always room for continuous learning in my role, and this course has played a valuable part in my professional development by helping me improve how I work and how I contribute to the projects and teams I am involved in.
How do you balance your apprenticeship with your busy day-to-day job?
My manager ensures I have time every week to focus solely on my course, which I’ve found to be a valuable assurance. There’s a commitment at the start of an apprenticeship from both the learner and their employer to ensure the required time is allocated within normal working hours.
What personal skills were key to being successful in your apprenticeship?
Self-awareness – realising the things I am not yet very good at, so I can ask for support when needed. As well as an eagerness to learn new things.
