Apprentices @ the Combined Authority: Steffi Nolan

Name of apprenticeship standard: APM Project Management Qualification
Level: 4
Duration: 2 years
Start date / end date: September 2021 to March 2024

Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship role

I undertook my apprenticeship alongside my day-to-day role of a Programme Coordinator and later as a Programme Manager in Transport Policy & Delivery. The Project Management qualification will directly influence my work and has provided me with improved knowledge on managing projects. I had one day a week dedicated toward apprenticeship learning, I attended college for classroom learning (currently held virtually) one morning a fortnight. I used the rest of my dedicated apprenticeship time doing work towards my college learning, reading the required texts, and reflecting on what work can contribute towards the experience in my portfolio. The apprenticeship qualification involved an exam to test the knowledge I had built up over the apprenticeship period and then a presentation and ‘professional discussion’ (similar to an interview) on the portfolio I had built up.

What made you want to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to improve my knowledge and experience of project management and saw it as a real development opportunity. I knew a couple of people within the Transport Policy & Delivery directorate who had also started on the same course, and it came highly recommended. I also thought it would help me to progress in my career, by showing a proactive approach to learning and development, as well as being a standalone qualification that will transfer with me regardless of the role I’m in.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

To make sure you and your manager understand the commitment required in terms of time away from work and opportunities you may need to seek out. I was fortunate that the different managers I had during my apprenticeship were understanding and supportive of the requirements of an apprenticeship.

What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?

I enjoyed learning again and having something to study and revise. It was also a good way of maintaining an awareness of the range of experience I was gathering through my role.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I think it is really good that the Combined Authority support people to do apprenticeships and if there is a course relevant to a person’s role then they should explore this opportunity. I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to look at all the different options out there to decide which course would be most relevant and useful to you.