At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn project and change management while supporting exciting initiatives across the business.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, a leading transport provider connecting communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel on SWR services and discounts on other train companies.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and an excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and training in project management.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths or relevant qualifications; strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
The Projects and Change Apprentice will develop their skills in project and change management, and continuous improvement facilitation, with exposure to all aspects of programme delivery touching every part of our business and delivering benefits for our customers, colleagues and industry partners.
Responsibilities
- Providing a Centre of Excellence for all change initiatives
- Acting as the central hub that governs all project activity
- Overseeing the planning and implementation of all aspects relating to Projects
- Supporting our senior leadership team to effectively deliver programmes of work that involve elements of significant change
- Overseeing the planning, execution and completion of specific organisational initiatives
- Ensuring projects meet set goals, timelines and budgets
- Coordinating resources, managing risks and ensuring alignment with wider business strategy
- Driving all business areas to identify and implement improvement opportunities, using project monitoring and reporting techniques to track, interpret and report on performance
- Manage and engage with stakeholders
- Influence and negotiate with others to create a positive outcome for the project
- Resolve conflict as and when required with stakeholders within limits of responsibility
- Adapt communications to different stakeholders
- Communicate and support the project vision, to ensure buy in to the project objectives
- Collate and analyse information and provide input to support negotiations relating to project objectives
- Monitor and analyse project budgets
- Review and provide feedback on a project business case to ensure the project remains valid
- Apply change control processes to support the management of project scope
- Evaluate an integrated project management plan to provide recommendations on areas for improvement
- Prepare, monitor, and schedule activities that contribute to the delivery of the overall project schedule and objectives
- Evaluate and make recommendations on the risk management plan to threats to delivery and recommend solutions
- Identify and monitor project risks and issues; and plan and implement responses to them
- Deliver a Quality Management Plan which contributes to quality control processes
- Use an organisation\'s continual improvement process including lessons learned to improve performance
- Support the preparation or maintenance of a resource management plan for project activities
- Work with stakeholders to deliver the project
- Use digital tools and software to meet project objectives for example research, collaboration, presentations, and resolution of problems
- Provide underpinning data to support the written submission through the governance process
- Work within the approved project budget
- Ensure that integrated schedules support critical path analysis, interface management, resource forecasting and risk management
- Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work
- Use data to inform decisions on actions to take to mitigate risks on project
- Use configuration management and change control to schedule and maintain projects
- Manages resources through the project lifecycle
- Use project monitoring and reporting techniques to track, interpret and report on performance
- Manage and engage with stakeholders
- Influence and negotiate with others to create a positive outcome for the project
- Resolve conflict as and when required with stakeholders within limits of responsibility
- Adapt communications to different stakeholders
- Communicate and support the project vision, to ensure buy in to the project objectives
- Collate and analyse information and provide input to support negotiations relating to project objectives
- Monitor and analyse project budgets
- Review and provide feedback on a project business case to ensure the project remains valid
- Apply change control processes to support the management of project scope
- Evaluate an integrated project management plan to provide recommendations on areas for improvement
- Prepare, monitor, and schedule activities that contribute to the delivery of the overall project schedule and objectives
- Evaluate and make recommendations on the risk management plan to threats to delivery and recommend solutions
- Identify and monitor project risks and issues; and plan and implement responses to them
- Deliver a Quality Management Plan which contributes to quality control processes
- Use an organisation\'s continual improvement process including lessons learned to improve performance
- Support the preparation or maintenance of a resource management plan for project activities
- Work with stakeholders to deliver the project
- Use digital tools and software to meet project objectives for example research, collaboration, presentations, and resolution of problems
- Provide underpinning data to support the written submission through the governance process
- Work within the approved project budget
- Ensure that integrated schedules support critical path analysis, interface management, resource forecasting and risk management
- Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work
- Use data to inform decisions on actions to take to mitigate risks on project
- Use configuration management and change control to schedule and maintain projects
- Manages resources through the project lifecycle
Training and Development
- Training schedule
- Based in our Project Management Office (PMO) you will shadow existing project specialists, to learn all aspects of project management, leadership, oversight and governance in our business
- This will include an opportunity to lead smaller project activity and/or play a key supporting role in a larger programme of work, dealing with issues that may require swift problem solving or re-occurring challenges that require greater analysis
- You will have the opportunity for training, leading to an introductory project management qualification
- You will be given the opportunity to work with all the specialist teams within the Projects and Change directorate, learning about, and becoming equipped to implement, a range of effective project and change management approaches and tools
- GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4) or other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Flexibility
About SWR
South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.
Benefits: Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees; Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent); 75% discount on many other train operating companies; Excellent pension scheme
Projects and Change Apprentice employer: South Western Railway
South Western Railway (SWR) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can develop your project management skills while contributing to meaningful change across our extensive network. With a strong focus on employee growth, SWR provides comprehensive training opportunities, including the chance to earn a project management qualification, alongside generous benefits such as free travel for employees and their families. Join us in a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, making a real impact in connecting communities in South West London and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Projects and Change Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at SWR on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Projects and Change Apprentice role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project management and change initiatives. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a project or resolved a conflict. This will demonstrate your ability to handle challenges in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SWR team.
We think you need these skills to ace Projects and Change Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Projects and Change Apprentice role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use clear and concise language in your application, and maybe even share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past projects.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities:We love a good problem solver! In your application, mention specific instances where you've tackled challenges or improved processes. This will show us that you’re ready to take on the dynamic nature of project management.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Railway
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take some time to research common project management methodologies and tools. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'risk management', 'stakeholder engagement', and 'change control'. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully solved problems or managed conflicts in a team setting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it clear how your actions led to positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think of ways to adapt your communication style for different audiences, and be ready to discuss how you would ensure buy-in for project objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company's approach to project management and change initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can fit into their existing processes and culture.
