We caught up with Marc, an existing employee at Acro on WhiteHat’s (opens new window)Project Management apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton.(opens new window) We wanted to find out more about Marc's experience; read on to find out why he decided to start an apprenticeship at 32 years old.
1. Tell us about yourself
I’m 32, a Project Manager for Acro(opens new window), an aircraft seating manufacturing business. I found my interest in Project Management three years ago building a house from scratch, from there I discovered I could do it for a living and the rest is history!
2. What prompted you to seek out an apprenticeship?
I was looking to boost my knowledge and understanding of Project Management for my new role and there was a push internally to look at Apprenticeships as a format for learning, so with some help from our HR team I found the WhiteHat course to be exactly what I needed to improve my process knowledge regarding project management.
3. Walk us through your experience with WhiteHat
We have a great HR team at Acro and it was suggested during a Development session that the WhiteHat Project Management Apprenticeship(opens new window) might suit the direction I was going in my career. It was a very easy process, and one cheesy interview video later, I was enrolled!
4. How has your apprenticeship changed your life?
That is a big question! I would say that when the course is complete it will certainly give me an edge to progress in whatever industry I like, Project Management is so transferrable, having the proper groundwork training under my belt will only help me grow in my role.
5. How have you been managing 20% off the job training? Is it easy to fulfil?
For me, yes. I am in the fortunate position of being a PM already, with some large projects that I can implement the ideas, process and understanding I learn on the WhiteHat course on a daily basis. Acro have been excellent at facilitating the 20%, however ensuring I maintain my daily workload is also important.
6. What do most people get wrong about apprenticeships?
They’re not just for 16 year olds who want to be a carpenter! We have a full range of ages at Acro on Apprenticeships, all of which are getting loads out of them.
7. What advice would you give to someone looking to start an apprenticeship?
Throw yourself into it – the knowledge on the course via the tutors is invaluable and having unrestricted access to that knowledge will not happen many times in your career.
8. Where do you want to see the UK get to with apprenticeships?
I’d like to see the awareness about the potential within the apprenticeship scheme grow – yes, there are skills gaps with young engineers and trades, however there are plenty of people in the middle of their career with massive potential that could do with their skill gaps filled. It is an excellent scheme, and with more awareness of it across the age range, the quicker those gaps will be filled.
Disclaimer: whilst WhiteHat’s marketing team worked with Marc to upload and publish this blog, the views and opinions expressed are entirely his own! If you are interested in finding out more about reskilling employees, get in touch by filling out the form below.
