Apprenticeship benefits and progression support:
The apprenticeship equipped me with various useful tools and techniques and helped formalise my approach to project management. It provided a deeper understanding of why certain frameworks and processes are used and enabled me to apply them more effectively in the workplace. By better understanding project management terminology and structured methodologies, I can now communicate more clearly and confidently with stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams and improving overall project execution. Applying structured frameworks and templates to my projects has help turn informal practices into formal, consistent processes, improving efficiency and decision-making. This has led to better internal communication and confidence in managing projects.
The apprenticeship has been instrumental in supporting my career progression, helping me move from Project Support Officer to Project Manager, and ultimately to Senior Project Manager. By providing a solid foundation in project management principles and frameworks, the apprenticeship equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to take on greater responsibilities. It formalised my understanding of project management, enabling me to effectively lead projects, make informed decisions, and manage teams.
Recent and current projects:
Project and Resource Management tooling implementation: This project implemented a software solution that provides tools for managing projects, portfolios, and resources. It enables organisations to plan, execute, and track projects effectively, offering features such as project scheduling, resource management, financial tracking, and reporting. This has now been implemented across a service of approx. 500 people and is used to track projects and understand resource capacity within that service.
Leisure Service Plus: This project aimed to enhance a leisure provider’s digital capabilities. Initiated in October 2022, the project focused on improving customer experience, increasing sales, and retaining customers. Key achievements included the introduction of dishonour charges and waiting lists, the development of features allowing customers to manage class bookings, and the implementation of a reporting tool for better access to business intelligence. Other significant developments were the introduction of a mapping tool for customer data visualisation, additional access lanes to secure access to gyms and facilities, smartphone access, the rollout of a chatbot for customer support, and the implementation of a new sales tool and process.
Golden Thread: In response to the Grenfell Tower incident and subsequent government regulations, a project was initiated to ensure that landlords of High-Rise Residential Buildings maintain a “Golden Thread” of building and fire safety information. This involves storing structured digital information that is accessible to key stakeholders, including housing staff, external agencies, and residents. An IT team was formed in mid-2023 to develop digital platforms and tools to help fulfil these requirements.
Key achievements included the creation of an internal SharePoint Online site for centralised storage of building and fire safety information, which integrates automatic updates from a key housing system and also allows for manual uploads. This site supports a Front Facing Resident Portal, enabling tenants and leaseholders to access safety information and request additional details through an in-house developed form. Additionally, a Raise a Safety Concern Web Page was established to allow residents and the public to report issues and access relevant services.
Life post apprenticeship:
I am currently Senior Project Manager. This role involves overseeing large, complex projects from inception to execution, ensuring that products and services are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards. Key duties include developing business cases, establishing governance structures, managing budgets, and creating project plans. Change control, risk management, and resolving conflict are also key components of the role, as well as maintaining effective communication with stakeholders. Another key responsibility includes supervising and mentoring other Project Managers to enhance their project management capabilities.
