To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we're highlighting the role of apprentices at Parliament.
In June 2022, a group of six project manager apprentices started at PDS. This is an 18-month programme of working and studying, and at the end the apprentices will finish with a level 4 qualification in project management.
Three project manager apprentices, Mackenzie, Lottie, and Adewunmi, came to the apprenticeship from very different professional backgrounds. They have shared how they got to Parliament, and how it’s going so far.
My career before Parliament
Mackenzie
This is my first job since graduating from university. I worked at my local Waitrose for 5 years, during my A-levels and my degree in history and politics.
Lottie
Before joining PDS, I worked at Kent County Council where I completed a Level 3 Business Support Apprenticeship. That was my first job after completing my A-levels.
Adewunmi
I worked in HM Prison Service as a prison officer for 4 years. I joined the prison service through Unlocked Graduates, whose focus is on rehabilitation and reforming the prison service. I then worked in the Diversity and Inclusion team.
Why I applied for this role
Mackenzie
A careers advisor at my university suggested project management to me. When I saw this job, I thought it would be an opportunity for me to see what project management is like, and I have always had an interest in politics, so I thought Parliament would be a fascinating place to work.
Lottie
The role at Parliament offered me experience in a few different aspects of projects and programmes and I wanted to further my development in this area.
Adewunmi
I wanted to become a project manager because my mum is a senior project manager, and I admired the way she conducted herself in the role. Being the bridge between stakeholders, users, developers and other members of the team, and ensuring they work together, appealed to me. You use a lot of skills!
The benefits of doing an apprenticeship
Mackenzie
I wasn’t entirely sure about what I wanted to do as my first job coming out of uni. This felt like a smaller step than jumping straight into a full-time job. 20% of my week is spent doing independent study and sometimes having online and in person sessions with our apprenticeship coach. It’s also nice to know that I’m going to have a qualification at the end of the two years which I can use to further my career.
Lottie
I was interested in doing another apprenticeship as I particularly enjoyed learning core skills from my previous apprenticeship course and using them in day-to-day work. I enjoy having the balance of gaining work experience and independent study towards a qualification that will help further my career.
Adewunmi
I have always enjoyed being able to learn through the work that I am assigned. I have ADHD and I have realised that it helps bring learning to life when I am able to have a practical element to what I learn.
How it’s going so far
Mackenzie
I have enjoyed my first six months here a lot. It was nice to join as a cohort of six apprentices because it feels like I have other people around me experiencing the same thing that I am.
Lottie
I’ve liked how all the apprentices have been able to support each other in different aspects of the course. It has also been very interesting to meet different colleagues and understand their role and function within PDS and how they all work together to meet the organisation’s goals and objectives. Everyone in PDS has been very supportive and welcoming.
Adewunmi
My first few months were an adjustment due to the different setting I had come from. Prisons are extremely noisy and fast-paced, so it did take some time to settle in, especially as I was now learning to be more computer-based. I have found my new team and colleagues extremely helpful and welcoming, willing to answer all my questions, even when I would repeat them. Parliament has felt like a very people-focused place to work which has been valuable for a new colleague like myself.
What it’s like working in Parliament
Mackenzie
It has been exciting being in Parliament and I have already had lots of opportunities to be involved in things that are happening, including going to watch PMQs, and as part of one of my projects, I got to go up Elizabeth Tower!
Lottie
The thing that surprised me the most working in Parliament is the great opportunities that are available to staff, such as volunteering and being able to attend talks and other events that take place on the parliamentary estate. Everyone in PDS has been very supportive and welcoming.
Adewunmi
It may sound slightly cheesy, but I still get excited when I’m walking through Westminster, or when I see MPs. It’s a place that I have always seen on television, and it can feel surreal just having the authority to be able to walk around and see the incredible parliamentary art collection, the Palace of Westminster buildings, and other cool things!
Find out more about apprenticeships at Parliament. You can also sign up for vacancy alerts to hear about future apprentice opportunities.