Project Management Apprentice Warrington, North West England
Job description
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington
The Hartree Centre is part of The Science and Technology Facilities Council, a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world. Our incredible diversity of research, technology and engineering projects truly fire the imagination and lead to real-world solutions which shape societies and transform lives.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprentice within the Hartree Centre.
The Associate Project Management Apprenticeship will be a stretching and fulfilling role where you will be involved in a range of project management activities linked to STFC’s world-leading science and technology projects delivered at the Hartree Centre.
The Hartree Centre is funded by UK Government to support businesses and the public sector on their digital journey, helping to grow the economy, create skilled jobs and keep the UK at the forefront of digital innovation.
We help organisations with an appetite for change, who want to innovate and build useful solutions to explore and adopt sophisticated digital technologies including high performance computing (HPC), data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
With the help of our team, UK organisations can improve products and processes more quickly than using conventional methods, adopt new digital technologies, upskill their staff and expand into new markets. We are home to some of the most sophisticated computing, data and AI technologies in the UK and form an important part of the UKRI's ecosystem alongside our global network of academic research communities and technology partners.
As a Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprentice, you will gain exposure to and support the management of key projects, building relationships with colleagues and internal/external stakeholders. You will work closely with experienced, knowledgeable and highly skilled programme managers and technical colleagues whilst learning the core processes of project management including; scheduling, management of risk, project assurance and financial management.
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship and making a real difference in your role.
You will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.
Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!
We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.
For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.
Key activities and responsibilities include:
- Supporting the delivery of projects within the Hartree Centre project portfolio, ensuring all agreed deliverables meet or exceed internal and partner expectations
- Identifying requirements for successful project delivery and construct detailed and workable project plans, identifying dependencies and critical paths whilst adhering to agreed delivery dates and resource profiles
- Supporting day-to-day operational aspects of the project(s) aiming to deliver all projects on-time, within scope and within budget
- Maintaining appropriate project documentation (including Hartree Project Master Documents, Project Trackers, and other associated project documents as required)
- Following best practices, techniques, and tools for project management and planning, tailoring the delivery methodology as appropriate to the situation
- Ensuring problem resolution is handled appropriately and raised when a decision is required at a more senior level or from another business area
The apprentice will gain first-hand exposure to the management of multi-million pound projects with the emphasis on learning in the workplace on live projects, supported by theoretical learning. In return, you will have the opportunity to make an impact on real projects early on in your role, where you’ll also learn the specialist skills tailored to the knowledge, skills and behaviours of a competent Project Manager. You will receive mentoring from trained project professionals as well as access to internal and external training courses. The apprentice will also have an internal network to support their development and learning.
“Everyone I have had the opportunity to work with has helped me in my development and progression and through my experience and the support of those around me, I have been able to successfully progress within the organisation.” – Louise Smith, former Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprentice and Senior IT Project Manager.
Qualifications you will achieve as part of your Project Management Apprenticeship:
- Associate Project Manager Level 4 Apprenticeship
- APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
This apprenticeship will provide the successful candidate with the tools, knowledge and experience that is needed to successfully manage complex projects. It would ideally suit someone with some commercial/industry experience who is looking to move into a project support role whilst developing professional skills and accreditation in this area.
Person specification (Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and any special requirements)
In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following:
Essential:
- 5 GCSE’s at minimum Level 4 (C Grade) or equivalent to include English and Maths
- A minimum of 2 A Levels, or a BTEC, or previous Level 3 Apprenticeship
Desirable:
- Understands and demonstrates the skills needed to work in a project delivery environment
- Demonstrates a proactive demeanour to problem solving, handling risks, escalating issues that arise where appropriate
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrates ability in influencing colleagues and collaborators from a wide range of backgrounds and subject areas towards achievement of agreed deliverables
- Competent in Microsoft programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- A self-starter; conscientious about self-development
Personal qualities:
- Can work as part of a team – an ability to gain credibility and build rapport with colleagues is a must
- Use own initiative, whilst demonstrating good attention to detail
- Enthusiasm
- Persistence
- Tenacity
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what’s possible.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
