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
✨Dive into Company Culture
Research the corporate culture of companies like South Western Railway that you're interested in. Attend any open days or online sessions they might host to get a feel for their values and what they expect from apprentices. This will help you align your approach and show that you're not just a resume but a fit for their team!
✨Engage with Professional Networks
Join groups or communities related to corporate leadership and management. Platforms like LinkedIn often have specialised groups where you can connect with industry professionals and fellow apprentices. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and don't be shy about reaching out for advice or potential opportunities directly.
✨Show Your Initiative with Projects
Get hands-on experience by volunteering for projects or initiatives in your community that align with corporate management. This will not only enhance your CV but also give you real-life examples to talk about in interviews, showing that you’re proactive and eager to learn!
✨Perfect Your Pitch
When applying for apprenticeships like the one at South Western Railway, practice a strong elevator pitch. We should focus on summarising who we are, what we can bring to the company, and why we’re excited about the apprenticeship. This can be a game-changer in interviews or networking events!
We think you need these skills to ace Projects and Change Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Potential:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any leadership experience you’ve had, even in school projects or student organisations. We love to see how you’ve handled team responsibilities or driven initiatives, as this reflects your potential in corporate leadership.
Tailor Your Application to Corporate Management:When applying for a corporate leadership apprenticeship at South Western Railway, be sure to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of business principles. We’re looking for evidence that you can think strategically and contribute to our team.
Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset:As this is an apprenticeship, we want to see your enthusiasm for learning! Use your cover letter to share what excites you about this opportunity with South Western Railway and how you intend to grow and embrace challenges during your time with us.
Keep It Clear and Concise:For both your CV and cover letter, aim for clarity. Corporate leadership roles often require clear communication, so show us you can get your points across without fluff. Keep sentences direct and paragraphs focused.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Railway
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
As an aspiring leader, we need to show our passion for guiding teams and making decisions. Be ready to share examples from your studies or extracurricular activities where you've taken the lead, whether it's in group projects or community service. This will help demonstrate your ability to step up and take charge in a corporate environment.
✨Know Your Management Theories
Brush up on key management theories and frameworks like SWOT analysis, the Tuckman stages of group development, or the situational leadership model. Expect questions that test your understanding of how these concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios, as this is crucial for an apprenticeship in corporate leadership.
✨Culture Fit is Key
In an apprenticeship, companies like South Western Railway are super keen to see if we fit their culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and be ready to explain how your personal beliefs align with theirs. Show that you’re not just about the skills, but also about being a team player who shares their vision.
✨Show Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, they want to know you’re keen to learn and grow. Prepare to discuss what skills you're hoping to develop during this apprenticeship and how you plan to take feedback onboard. This will make you stand out as someone who's ready to embrace the challenges of corporate leadership.
