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Is Level 4 Associate Project Manager the right choice for me

Is the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship the right choice for me?

So, you’ve decided you want to take your project management skills to the next level and are wondering if a project management qualification is the right choice for you. In this blog post we’ll explore what the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship entails and whether it’s the right fit for you.

What is the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship?

The Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship can be completed alongside your normal project management role. In addition to achieving your apprenticeship award, the Association for Project Management’s Project Management Qualification (APM PMQ) exam is integrated within this apprentceship so you will achieve two professional qualifications including an APM qualification too.

As well as the sector-specific skills you’ll learn while completing your apprenticeship, you’ll develop transferable skills that can be used throughout your future career, regardless of what sector you choose to work in.

What does the APM PMQ involve?

The APM’s Project Management Qualification covers a broad range of topics that provide you with understanding of all areas of project management. When completing this as part of the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, you’ll cover topics including planning, communication, budgeting and cost management, leadership, conflict management, negotiation, earned value management, teamwork, project sponsorship, risk management and procurement.

This qualification is suitable for those who manage projects within their role are seeking to be more effective, so you can be confident that you’ll develop the skills you need to successfully plan, execute, and complete projects. From understanding how to create a responsibility assignment matrix and differentiating between iterative, linear and hybrid life cycles to managing stakeholder expectations and implementing effective contingency plans, the PMQ runs that gamut and covers every element of project management in a professional environment.

How will you complete the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship?

If you choose to enrol in a Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, you’ll complete the learning and application while you undertake your regular role in managing projects. Provek’s dedicated online learning platform, Bud, makes it easier to organise and manage your learning alongside your work schedule.

Typically, our candidates complete the whole apprenticeship programme over a 13-month period via a mix of one-to-one learning, group workshops and guided self-learning. Students will also complete multiple learning assignments throughout the 13 months, which gives candidates an opportunity to identify strength areas and topics which may require further study. The learning assignments contribute to learners’ Portfolio of Evidence, which will then be used to prepare for the final assessment for the apprenticeship.

You’ll study 17 different topics, split into six distinct units. Upon completing all six units, you’ll be given the opportunity to sit the APM PMQ exam part-way through the programme. At Provek, we have a PMQ pass rate that is higher than the national average, due to the extensive preparation and guidance we provide. While it’s natural to feel nervous before an exam, you can be sure that you’ll have received a wealth of support and assistance so that you’re ready to complete your assessments successfully.

What are the benefits of the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship?

The Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship is designed to be completed alongside your normal project management role, but why should you bother undertaking an additional qualification? While obtaining and completing an apprenticeship is an achievement in itself, there are a variety of specific benefits associated with enrolling on the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, including:

1. Internationally recognised qualification
Apprenticeships are typically sector-specific, which means that they’re relevant in your chosen industry but not well-known in other sectors. In contrast, the APM PMQ is well-recognised across all industries and internationally. If you choose to switch careers in later life or you want to work abroad, your APM PMQ will enhance your employability and potentially provide you with additional opportunities.

2. Evidence your self-motivation
Choosing to undertake an additional qualification confirms to potential employers that you’re self-motivated, determined, and ambitious. These are qualities that any employer will be looking for, so why not take the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and highlight the positive characteristics that will make you a valued member of any team?

3. Gain transferable skills
The skills you learn on an apprenticeship may be highly relevant to a particular role or industry, but they may not be particularly useful in other environments. However, project management skills and knowledge are highly valued across all sectors and can be used in virtually any environment. As a result, you’ll enhance your transferable skills when you complete the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, increase your employability and be able to deliver increased value to employers.

4. Boost your confidence
Most people undertake an apprenticeship when they’re starting their careers, so it’s understandable if you feel a little overwhelmed when doing this further into your project management career – the average age of Provek’s learners is in the mid-30s – with the pressures of the job already taking up your day. It can take time to adjust to adding further learning into your working environment and to develop the skills you’ll need to be able perform to the best of your ability, whilst doing the “day job”. Even when you’ve successfully completed your apprenticeship, you’ll still have a lot to learn but having an additional project management qualification as well as evidencing your skills by applying them in practice, can boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence you need to succeed in your chosen field.

5. Cultivate a professional network
When you’re completing your Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship and the embedded PMQ, you’ll have the opportunity to work with other project professionals at various stages in their careers. This enables you to begin or accelerate cultivating a professional network at any stage in your career, which will have numerous benefits as you climb the career ladder. What’s more – you’ll be able to extend your network via your eligibility to join professional networks, like the Association for Project Management, the Project Management Institute UK or the International Project Management Association.

Are you ready to start an Associate Project Manager apprenticeship programme?

With so many benefits associated with the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship and the PMQ, it’s not surprising that a significant number of learners are choosing to complete our programme. However, choosing the right provider can be critical to enhancing your learning experience and getting the best results.
To learn more about studying with Provek or to discuss your goals in more detail, contact our friendly team today on 01635 524 610 or email us at enquiries@provek.co.uk.

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