Why my project management apprenticeship was the right choice

The arrival of National Apprenticeship Week serves as a reminder to young people that there is a variety of opportunities available to them when they come to take that all-important next step. There tends to be a lot of pressure on young people to follow either one of two paths; to go to University or search for a full-time job directly from college. The third option is often forgotten about or overlooked. Back in 2018, Hope Dickens found herself in this predicament and opted for an apprenticeship. Here, Hope explains why the project management apprenticeship scheme at Arqiva was the right choice for her and why she’s proud to be one of two women on Arqiva’s emerging talent scheme for 2018 in a male-dominated industry.

Learning whilst earning

Whilst most of my friends at college were certain they wanted to go to University, I was unsure what path to pick. Although I had a place on an undergraduate course for events management, I started to explore other options and that’s when I came across Arqiva’s apprenticeship programme on Indeed’s website. At the time, I hadn’t heard of Arqiva or what they did. However, after researching the company I was drawn to its growth and development story, as well as the strong apprenticeship scheme it had to offer. There are huge misconceptions surrounding routes into employment, and students are often discouraged from taking a vocational pathway.

Choosing an apprenticeship over University doesn’t mean sacrificing your qualifications - far from it! The project management apprenticeship offered me everything I wanted to get out of the next stage of my life. Being given the opportunity to work your way up through the company was a huge attraction for me. Whilst many of my peers were racking up debts, my project management apprenticeship meant that I didn’t have to wait until I was qualified to start earning.

Building my toolkit of skills

My apprenticeship has allowed me to gain so much experience in a very short space of time. Although you can do a placement at University, I’m already two years ahead of someone who is yet to graduate. What’s changed the most is my confidence and happiness. My confidence has grown dramatically from leading team meetings, completing presentation training and showcasing my work to Arqiva’s senior leadership team.

It’s also the small things that count, such as learning how to act in an office environment and how to conduct myself in professional meetings – not to mention the chance to network and work alongside so many industry experts. What’s so valuable is that you start developing a strong network of contacts in your industry from early on. Building strong rapport with your colleagues along the way means that by the time you’re ready to be made permanent, you know what’s what and who’s who and understand how you can progress throughout your career. I couldn’t have picked up these skills by spending every day in the classroom or the lecture theatre.

Managing real responsibility

I work on internal change projects, and currently I’m focusing on two major projects. My favourite one is a major contract renewal project. In this project I put all plans together and ensure there is commitment across the board from all team members. I also help to improve the risk management process within my department, this gives me the opportunity to lead a team and coordinate 9 people. Overseeing other people’s work has challenged me to improve my attention to detail as well as the level of my writing and communication skills.

Looking to the future 

Schools and sixth forms need to work together to remind students that University isn’t for everyone and isn’t the only path to a successful career. By promoting and increasing awareness of the different options available to them, students can feel more empowered and in control of their own futures. My advice would be to stay open-minded – you can gain great qualifications and experience through apprenticeships which set you up for life. Finally, be confident in your own abilities - my project management apprenticeship proves that if you apply yourself and work hard you don’t need to go to University to excel.