Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship: Ask An Apprentice

8 February 2022
CSR

MIGSO-PCUBED UK established their Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme ‘MPower’ at the back end of 2020, with the first apprentices joining in January 2021. We felt strongly about our MPower Programme, not only to grow talent and develop our workforce, but also to get an opportunity to support people to reach their full potential and further their careers.

As the world is changing, the traditional route of formal learning before joining a workforce isn’t for everyone. Our MPower Programme provides apprentices with an alternative route to achieve a degree and gain work experience. We asked our apprentices a few questions about their experience so far.

Meet Misha

I joined MIGSO-PCUBED after completing my A Levels in Biology, Economics, and Business in May 2021. In my second year of college, I decided that I wanted to do a Project Management Degree Apprenticeship, as it provides a great chance to learn at university and apply what I’ve learned in my job role, and vice versa, whilst gaining experience and progressing in a career I enjoy!

Meet Harry

I’m Harry, 20 and I have many interests! I’m quite active and have many hobbies. I’d never refuse to rewatch Harry Potter or Star Wars. Beginning my career having come from A-levels and there I studied Graphic design, Media studies and Business (cut short due to COVID). I have a passion for management and business.

How long have you been with us?

Misha: I’ve been at MP since the start of September 2021 and began work on my first engagement towards the end of the month; my client’s site is based near Oxford, so I split my week into working at client site and at home.

Harry: I began my journey with MP a year ago, in January 2021. Upon arrival, I started networking, learning about project management, and preparing for my first project. Unfortunately, with remote working due to COVID-19, I initially missed out on the opportunity of meeting my colleagues but have been able to do so recently and hope to continue this.

What made you want to start a career at MP?

Misha: I wanted to start a career at MP as I felt I would be able to experience working across a range of industries and be able to work on my personal and work development in different ways with each. MP has a great network of employees, and I knew that I’d be able to expand my knowledge, being able to socialise and learn from such a variety of professionals.

Harry: I am very interested in management and, therefore Project Management. I love business and beginning my career at a company really appealed to me. I’ve always loved the idea of an apprenticeship and earning while you learn. MP ticked all the boxes and provided an opportunity I was immediately drawn to. An apprenticeship ensures I get a degree as you would at university, but I also get paid to learn and get my tuition fees paid for.

What do you think differs MP’s Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship scheme from to Level 6 schemes?

Misha: Since joining, MP has given me a lot of autonomy, which I didn’t expect, but it has made me feel included and respected equally amongst everyone else. MP encourages both personal and career development and often proposes opportunities to train, progress, or attend social events to feel comfortable with peers.

Harry: The apprentice program is more flexible because it is new to MP. There are not as many ‘play by the book’ ways since there is no book – for both MP and us apprentices, this is a first time experience.

As a Project Management company, the work we do is tailored to Project Management as opposed to an apprenticeship scheme at a company with a different specialism.

What has been the highlight of your career here at MP?

Misha: Attending the APM Project Management Awards with MP and my client has been the highlight of my career so far! It was a fun night and gave me the chance to see how other Project Managers and companies have contributed to various projects and the value they can provide.

Harry: There are so many highlights to choose from! A few that stand out to me are the progress I made through my first engagement and the support I provided. My first engagement was great; I have learnt to contribute to key deliverables which is something I couldn’t do at the beginning of the apprenticeship. Another highlight is travelling to client site. It is amazing to have this privilege and I appreciated the opportunity to visit client site to talk about the project. Finally, producing apprenticeship content and gaining buy in from everyone. With the apprenticeship being quite new to MP, everyone is taking their first steps together. I have produced content for the future cohort to ensure their experience is even better and this has been well received.

What is the best thing about working for MP?

Misha: The best thing about MP is the warmth and inclusivity. From the day I started, there was always someone to talk to or ask questions, which helped me settle in quickly and easily. The event we had last year was a great chance to meet colleagues in person and get to know everyone. MP arranged for me to have a buddy when I started, which made working more relatable and familiar.

Harry: The feeling of being welcomed and appreciated! I feel part of a big community and feel MP value me and what I achieve. There are many opportunities, and I am learning so much. It is a huge jump from A levels to working for a company and I have settled in very well.