Job description
We are recruiting for a Project Management Apprentice
Challenge Works is at the forefront of identifying and defining problems where new ideas, technologies and approaches can be encouraged to radically improve outcomes and then developing and managing challenge prizes that optimise the likelihood of success. Challenge prizes are competitions which reward whoever can first, or most effectively, meet a defined challenge.
Challenge Works is looking for a Project Management Apprentice to join its team and work across several of its programmes. As a Project Mangement Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in project planning, execution and coordination while working closely with experienced project managers. Over the course of the apprenticeship you will work across a diverse range of UK and international prizes that are tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time.
Our projects are usually complex with a high public profile, they have significant impact on the lives of many thousands of people, and involve working with an exciting mix of tech entrepreneurs, civil society organisations (not for profits and public interest organisations) and government bodies.
We have launched prizes that include improving outcomes for Nepalese farmers, improving access to energy for refugees and the £10m Longitude Prize for antimicrobial resistance. Some of our prizes include the EU Social Innovation Competition , the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge and prizes aimed at creating a paradigm shift in the delivery of surgical training , and engaging young people in developing tech for social good and grasping the basics of entrepreneurship.
See www.challenges.org to learn more about our work.
Job purpose
To support and grow an understanding of all aspects within Project Management within the delivery of Challenge Works Programmes. The successful candidate will have strong time management and communication skills, with the ability to showcase their confidence in supporting a team within a fast paced environment.
The Role
Project Management Apprentice
- Collaborate across the Challenge Works team to gather information and a deeper understanding of project requirements.
- Contribute to the development of project documentation, including timelines, Gantt charts and status reports.
- Assist Programme teams in creating and maintaining project plans, schedules and budgets.
- Support project managers and project teams in identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
- Participate in project meetings, documenting minutes, action items and follow-up tasks.
- Help maintain clear communication channels among team members, stakeholders and clients.
- Work with diverse Nesta departments including financial, legal, and communications.
- Help to create events, workshops and to deliver them to a high standard.
- Update project management software and tools to track project progress and resource allocation.
- Assist in task assignments and workload distribution.
- Learn and apply project management methodologies and best practices.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives to enhance project management efficiency.
The Person
Strong programme and client coordination
- Basic understanding of project management concepts, methodologies, tools, and application. Perhaps you were involved in a project at school or led a project in your local community.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges.
- Problem-solving mindset and ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
- Prior experience in a team-based environment, internship, or relevant coursework is a plus, perhaps you have captained a sports team, or supported a voluntary group.
Benefits:
- Hands-on experience in a professional project management setting.
- Exposure to various project management tools and software.
- Mentorship from experienced project managers.
- Opportunity to develop a strong foundation in project management methodologies.
- Potential for growth within the company upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade A-C or 4-9 (including Maths and English) and a Level 3 (BTEC Diploma, A-Levels, T-Levels or L3 Apprenticeship. Ideally - Diploma DMM or A-Level BBB).
What we offer
Salary: £23,300 plus array of benefits, including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more
Location: This role is based in Blackfriars, Central London, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the office
Term: Fixed term contract
Hours: 37.5 hours
Making an application
To apply for this role, please submit your application before 8:00am on the 25th of August 2023.
Interviews will take place w/c 4th of September 2023.
At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.
We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.