Hi, my name is Lewis Pavey and I joined GBS Procure Limited in March 2023 as a project management apprentice following the completion of my A-Levels in July 2022. I am looking forward to working with the GBS Procure team and their clients in order to gain a greater depth of knowledge in Procurement. As part of my apprenticeship, I am undertaking formal learning through Heart of England Training (HOET). I'm currently working towards my level 4 PMQ, which I am aiming to have completed over the next 24 months. During this series of blogs I am going to keep you up to date with my assigned workload and projects that I am working on, as well as what life is like as an apprentice in procurement.
As a project management apprentice working in procurement, I have learned that this field requires a combination of technical knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. In this blog post, I will share my experiences and insights into the role of a project management apprentice working in procurement and how this apprenticeship has helped me grow.
As an apprentice, I have learned that project management plays a vital role in procurement. Procurement projects involve managing budgets, timelines, and resources, as well as coordinating with suppliers and stakeholders. I have gained knowledge about project planning, execution, and monitoring, including the management of key stakeholders, which are crucial for the success of procurement projects.
One of the benefits of being an apprentice is having the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. I have had the chance to work alongside project managers and procurement specialists who have shared their knowledge and experience with me. They have provided guidance on how to manage projects effectively, communicate with stakeholders, and resolve issues that arise during a project.
During my apprenticeship, I have had the chance to apply my project management skills to procurement projects. I have managed small projects, such as the project on extractor fans and PIV units as well as a further project on a short-term van hire. These experiences have helped me develop practical skills that are essential for a career in project management.
Procurement projects can be challenging, and unexpected issues can arise. However, I have learned that being a problem solver is an essential skill for a project management apprentice in procurement. I have had to think creatively to find solutions to problems that have arisen during projects. This has included managing scope creep and adapting to changes in project timelines while also dealing with multiple stakeholders with different requirements at the same time. This can become increasingly challenging due to a variety of schedules which can consequently leave key information being delayed in communication and manging this can sometimes prove difficult. In addition to this I have also taken on administrative tasks on behalf of the client to expediate and progress projects.
My apprenticeship in project management in procurement has been an exciting and valuable experience. I have gained practical knowledge and skills that will be useful throughout my career. Over the next two months I am hoping to successfully complete the extractor fan project while further assisting Tom with his Gas Installations project. Furthermore, I will be training to use the e-tendering platform in-tend and aim to become knowledgeable with the software in order to help with any queries going forward within the office.
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