Association for Project Management calls for employers to use apprenticeship levy to invest in skills – APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2021

Association for Project Management (@APMProjectMgmt), the chartered body for the project profession, is calling on businesses in England to use their apprenticeship levy to train and upskill staff for the better delivery of projects, following a survey carried out by YouGov.  

The survey of over 2,600 project professionals, reveals that 47 per cent of respondents cited skills shortages and developing the talent pipeline as the most significant challenge to the profession over the next five years.   

Commenting ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), Jackie Martin, director of education and lifelong learning at APM, said: “Now more than ever, businesses and communities will be dependent on talented project professionals who can adapt to new challenges. We would urge employers to use available resources such as the apprentice levy on developing professional skills, for the long-term benefits of project delivery.

“As the chartered body for the project profession, we are committed to promoting and encouraging the better development and training, and apprenticeships are a fantastic way to both nurture new apprentices and retain talent within an organisation.”

From the perspective of a new apprentice, Katie Houston is a project management apprentice at HS2 Ltd.  Katie joined the company in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and talks about adapting to remote working and the support she has received:

 “I started my apprenticeship remotely which was extremely strange. Going from the classroom to being online all the time has been hard but with support I have become comfortable working from home. When I joined in September, HS2 were working efficiently and effectively and had adapted well to the remote environment. They have really helped me, and the other apprentices get to grips with the new way of life.”

“At HS2 the apprentices have a great support network. I have a line manager who helps me with day to day activities and really supports my development throughout my apprenticeship. I also have a mentor who support me improve my skills and knowledge in areas which I know I need to improve on.”