A project management apprenticeship is helpful for aspiring project managers who want to work in different industries. An apprenticeship trains you to handle a team of people and meet project deadlines. This guide contains some of the relevant resources and information that you need to find a project management apprenticeship.
Gaining practical work experience through project management apprenticeship programs strengthens your knowledge of the discipline. It is an opportunity to learn academically while also practicing what you are learning. Below you will learn more about project management apprenticeship programs and how they can help you pursue a project manager career.
What Is a Project Management Apprenticeship?
Project management apprenticeships are programs for aspiring project managers who may not have a university degree but would like to gain experience in the field. These programs run for several months and equip you with a broad range of skills to effectively complete projects. As with all types of apprenticeships, you are learning while also working for a company and gaining real-world experience.
Through a project management apprenticeship, you will discover different tools that will help speed up the process for you. Along with technical skills, you will also develop your communications skills and resourcefulness, especially when working with strict deadlines. It is a management position that also involves managing human resources.
What Does a Project Management Apprentice Do?
A project management apprentice has similar expectations to a project management job, though there is an understanding in an apprenticeship that you are still in training. You will oversee a project from start to finish and keep deadlines. You may use Agile or Scrum to help you manage your team so that you can communicate your goals for the project.
Project Management Apprenticeship Salary
Similar to a project management trainee, Payscale reports that a project management apprentice earns an average salary of $88,883 per year. The same report showed that the salary range is between $57,000 to $129,000.
Project Management Apprenticeship Requirements
Most project managers hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Other entry requirements include an understanding of how to work with people and mobilize your team and resources. You also need to have skills in business mathematics as well as industry experience. It is helpful to have a background in management.
However, some apprenticeship programs are created to train you to become a project manager without previous work experience. Other programs are designed specifically for individuals who do not have any prior project management skills or knowledge.
Types of Project Management Apprenticeships
The types of project management apprenticeships differ depending on the industry and the individual employer. You will use the same techniques and skills to complete and deliver the project, but the specifics and goals vary due to the demands of the industry.
Project Management Apprentice in Construction
A project management apprentice in construction must have a background in building construction to ensure that projects are successful and meet client needs. Your primary duty is to maintain safety while completing the project before the established deadline. You also need to make sure that the building meets the safety code to avoid damage to property and people.
Project Management Apprentice in Engineering
You need to have a background in engineering if you want to become a project management apprentice in this field. Project planning is a key part of engineering processes and most of the steps need to be completed quickly and sequentially. In disciplines like civil or manufacturing engineering, you mobilize heavy equipment that may need longer periods of time to prepare.
Project Management Apprentice in Healthcare
A project management apprentice in healthcare is needed to help an institution or organization to achieve tangible projects and goals on the business side of the industry. You are responsible for overseeing internal projects for the development of the workforce as well as external projects related to expansion and other business needs.
Project Management Apprentice in Business
Working as a project management business apprentice involves making important, effective decisions, and finding innovative solutions to help the organization meet its business goals. You may be required to help the company develop campaigns using creative marketing messages. Projects could be expanding IT infrastructures or creating initiatives to drive profitability.
Project Management Apprenticeship Jobs
Project management apprenticeships are more popular in the United Kingdom, so there are more opportunities there. This section is a mix of project management apprenticeship programs located between the UK and the US. If you have the capability to try out an overseas apprenticeship, then you can check out some of the listings from the UK.
BPP Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship
BPP is based in the United Kingdom. It provides a 16-month associate project manager apprenticeship program. It is conducted via online teaching and coaching, as well as workplace development.
This is intended for businesses that want employees trained in project management to handle complex projects that will drive organizational change. This program teaches skills in project execution, communication skills, and teamwork.
There are no specific requirements to join this program other than a willingness to excel in project management and a goal to drive business growth. Some of the jobs that you can apply for after program completion are assistant project manager, junior project manager, and project team leader.
IBM Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship
The IBM Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship is focused on developing soft skills and project management skills. You will learn about leadership, communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and decision-making. It combines technical and interpersonal skills because management is a discipline that involves a lot of collaboration within a team.
Some of the main technical skills that this program covers include Agile, Excel, IBM New Collar, risk management, design thinking, and data analytics. You will also learn about standard management practices such as Six Sigma and CAPM. Once you complete this apprenticeship program you will know how to create an effective business plan.
Institute for Apprenticeships Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship
The project manager apprenticeship program by the Institute for Apprenticeships runs for a total of 24 months. You will learn about governance, stakeholder management, communication, and leadership. This program will develop your ability to create a plan, set budget controls, and evaluate the schedule based on the scope of the project.
Through this program, you will develop exceptional leadership skills and learn collaborative behavior to ensure effective teamwork. You will also become more aware of integrity and compliance as you work on projects that may have an effect on a specific sector or group of individuals.
This is another UK-based apprenticeship program that requires you to have a level two qualification in English and Mathematics. You also become an automatic member of the Association for Project Management (APM) once you join this program.
Multiverse Project Management Apprenticeship Program
Multiverse offers a 12-month project management apprenticeship program. It is intended for junior project managers who want to gain more training and knowledge early in their careers. It is a free program. You need a high school diploma, GED, or associate degree to qualify for the program.
The program will introduce you to project methodologies and approaches to develop your core skills on the subject. You will learn how to plan a project, including other disciplines such as risk and financial management, governance, and effective leadership. The academic study in this program includes interactive workshops.
There are a total of 11 workshops covered in one year. You will receive coaching from experts throughout the program. There will be progress reviews and an assessment of your portfolio to prepare you for interviews as part of your career development.
Training Byte Size Project Management Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship programs provided by Training Byte Size are acknowledged and accredited by the Association of Project Management. The training is applicable for project management apprentices who want to work in industries such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and finance.
There is one program offered to employers and another to apprentices. The apprentice option can be completed online in 18 months. The resources are available anytime, so you can complete the lessons at your own pace. The learning approach is a combination of virtual training and in-person workshops.
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The program trainers are experts in the project management field. You will be working on several real-life case studies and will engage in discussions to better understand the lessons. The goal of the program is to help you apply your knowledge in practical ways. You may also take an exam via Training Byte Size to qualify as a Level Four Project Management Apprentice.
How to Get a Project Management Apprenticeship
Other than a formal bachelor’s degree, there are different ways to get a project management apprenticeship. The requirements will depend on the program that you are applying for, but you can utilize other sources as proof of qualification. Below are some education and training options that you can consider.
Bootcamps
There are project management bootcamps from various institutions and providers that you can apply for at any time. A bootcamp is a short and intensive training program that runs for several weeks. You will be trained in specific skills with a focus on practical applications of what you learn.
Internships
Internships are a common way to get a job or to get into an apprenticeship program. During your internship, you will acquire skills outside of a classroom setting and will work on a real-world project. If you perform well, you can ask for a recommendation from the company to help you get an apprenticeship or the company may directly offer you a position.
Trade Schools
Trade schools are a good way to train and become an expert in skills related to project management. You may learn finance, computer science, and information technology. It does not necessarily work as a single qualification to get into a project management apprenticeship, but completing a program at a trade school can help boost your resume.
Vocational Training
Vocational training for information technology, computer science, or other industries is also an option to build your qualifications for a project management apprenticeship. This is ideal if you prefer step-by-step and straightforward training to master a skill. You gain academic skills that are useful for your project management career.
Is a Project Management Apprenticeship Worth It?
Project management may be a difficult and complicated discipline, so you need intensive training to excel in it. You need to be comfortable with the technical aspects of project management such as using digital technology and tools to manage resources and time. You also need good people skills to manage teammates while completing a project.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are among the highest-paid and in-demand fields of work. The median salary for a manager is $109,760 as of 2020. Acquiring any training possible such as an apprenticeship is a good way to strengthen your core skills and to achieve this salary.
A project management apprenticeship is a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that you can apply to daily operations. It is a source of new techniques and a good way to become familiar with best practices and methodologies. Though it may take time to complete an apprenticeship program, what you will learn will be useful for a lifetime of professional work.
Project Management Apprenticeship FAQ
Yes. A project management apprenticeship is a common program, though it is a more saturated market in the UK. It is an opportunity to learn skills and knowledge about project management while being able to apply them in practical situations. You are working while you learn new techniques and tools to manage projects in a specific industry.
Your work as a project management apprentice is not far from the typical role of a project manager. If accepted to a program, you will oversee projects that are assigned to you and make sure that the process is followed to completion. The most important part of your role is to be able to meet the deadline set for the project as communicated to the client.
The qualification depends on the program that you are applying for. A majority of the companies offering project management apprenticeships expect you to have an undergraduate degree and prior work experience. However, some programs for beginners are open as long as you have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, or an associate degree in a related discipline.
A project management apprenticeship is an effective way to receive training while still getting paid for work. Methods and practices change frequently, so there are new tools and techniques to learn in order to properly complete a project. Companies appreciate fresh perspectives that will improve their processes to fit the current culture and work style.
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