An employer’s guide to the
Associate Project Manager Higher apprenticeship Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education
Effective project managers allow businesses and organisations to operate successfully and efficiently. By developing and leading systematic and planned organisationally embedded processes, and by managing and monitoring resource allocation and progress, project management leads to success, on time and in budget. More and more people are choosing project management as a first career and the Associate Project Manager Level 4 Apprenticeship is a great way to start. The programme equips apprentice students with the skills and strategies to deal with contemporary challengers in project management practice. Competencies taught such as effective planning, organisation, leadership management and good communication skills, are paramount to achieving the required outcomes.
Qualification The standards for Associate Project Manager are developed by employers to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in each occupation and improve the quality of apprenticeships. The Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship has a typical two year duration and includes the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) as an on-programme assessment. Successful apprentices will gain an IPMA Level D qualification after year one as well as an Associate Project Manager Level 4 qualification from Bucks New University. The Project Management Qualification (IPMA Level D, SCQF Level 7) is a knowledge-based qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession that allows candidates to demonstrate understanding of all elements of project management. By obtaining this qualification as a part of the program the graduates will be part of the community of 23,000 individual and 570 corporate members making it the largest professional body of its kind in Europe.
Course structure Playing to our existing strengths as a successful blended learning provider to work-based students, the Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management – Associate Project Manager will offer academic-supported blended learning, workplace-based lectures, and access to standard ‘taught’ delivery at our campuses. The programme is split into four modules: Investigating Work-based Learning and Self-review Principles of Project Management Understanding Reflective Practice and Enquiry-based Learning Project Management in Practice
A competent Associate Project Manager, on completion of the apprenticeship standard, will meet the following requirements: Knowledge
Skills
Behaviours
Project Governance
Project Governance
Collaborative and Team Work
Project Stakeholder Management
Stakeholder and Communications Management..
Leadership
Project Communication
Budgeting and Cost Control
Effective and Appropriate Communications
Project Leadership
Business Case
Drive for Results
Consolidated Planning
Scope Management
Integrity, Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism
Budgeting and Cost Control
Consolidated Planning
Business Case and Benefits Management.
Schedule Management
Knowledge
Skills
Behaviours
Project Scope
Risk, and Issue Management
Project Schedule
Contract Management and Procurement
Resource Management
Quality Management
Project Risk and Issue Management.
Resource Management
Contract Management. and Procurement Project Quality Project Context
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set their own entry requirements for their apprentices. Typically candidates will have achieved a grade C or above in at least 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, and hold a minimum of 120 UCAS points, or equivalent.
Duration This apprenticeship is a two year programme. Apprenticeships are work-based so training and assessment predominantly takes place within your business, however 20 per cent of an apprentice’s time must be dedicated towards their study. This must be part of their contracted hours but can be delivered through day release, block, residential and distance learning.
Tuition fees The apprenticeship levy will be paid by employers in any sector with a pay bill of more than £3 million per year. Those employers will be able to use their apprenticeship levy funds to access degree apprenticeships from higher education providers. Non-levy paying employers will receive up to 90 per cent funding towards the costs of apprenticeships. Higher and degree apprenticeships can be offered to anyone over the age of 19. There is no upper age limit and no cost to the apprentice. The training costs for employers may vary for individuals depending on their age. Apprenticeships can be open to current members of staff to support career development.
Who can apply? An apprentice can be a new or existing member of staff. They must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week and must not already hold a degree in that area or be receiving funding for other training.
An employer must employ the apprentice in a real job with a real salary and financially contribute towards the cost of training and accreditation with support from the government.
Working in Partnership We work as partners, providing a key account manager and dedicated apprenticeship team to support your business and employees throughout the apprenticeship journey. Your apprentice’s link tutor will visit them in the workplace to support their learning. We will provide a full range of study options to students that meet your business needs including block delivery at University, day release, residential, blended and distance (online) learning.
Your Commitment •
To work in partnership with Bucks New University.
•
Develop a programme tailored to the needs of your organisation.
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Provide a suitable working environment and facilities to support higher apprenticeships.
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Ring fence at least 20 per cent of an apprentice’s time for off-the-job training/ academic learning.
Supporting you every step of the way •
Help define your requirements and training needs, including how to get the most out of your levy.
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Deliver apprenticeships that meet your needs and reduce the burden on your business.
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Work together to develop your people’s skills and meet your long-term training goals.
LOCATIONS Buckingham
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AYLESBURY VALE
AYLESBURY VALE
Aylesbury
MISSENDEN ABBEY
Great Missenden
WYCOMBE
CHILTERN Amersham
High Wycombe
SOUTH BUCKS Uxbridge
MIDDLESEX
HIGH WYCOMBE CAMPUS
UXBRIDGE CAMPUS
High Wycombe Campus Queen Alexandra Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire, HP11 2JZ
BucksNewUni
University Campus Aylesbury Vale
BucksNewUni
Walton Street Aylesbury Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QG
BucksNewUni
Uxbridge Campus
@BucksNewUni
BucksNewUniversity bucks.ac.uk
106 Oxford Road Uxbridge Middlesex, UB8 1NA Missenden Abbey London Road Great Missenden Buckinghamshire, HP16 0BD Telephone: 01296 744 202
For more information visit:
Fax: 01494 524 392 International: +44 1494 605 259
bucks.ac.uk/apprenticeships
This information is accurate at the time of going to press. © Buckinghamshire New University 2017
12/17
Email: apprenticeships@bucks.ac.uk