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. Since my last blog in July 2023, I have completed the examination element of my apprenticeship (currently awaiting results) and have had further opportunities to integrate into GBS Procure and increase my roles and my responsibilities. I am currently working towards the last part of my apprenticeship which concludes in August – which will be a presentation around the contents of my learning and development at GBS Procure.
Since July I have had greater responsibilities within my role. I have taken on signature requests on behalf of a client along with my colleagues and assisted Gary, Paul and Tom in numerous projects and procurement processes – all of which have contributed to my own personal development and abilities within procurement and project management. I have been given independence in running projects for vehicle cleaning services and the development of a contracts register on behalf of another client at GBS Procure.
In addition to this, since July my learning for the APM PMQ L4 qualification has developed significantly. The APM course aims to take you through a project process from start to finish and since developing further at GBS Procure, I can more greatly relate these topics to aspects of work. This has helped me have a grasp on the courses contents and gave me greater confidence heading into my exam. The exam itself was very difficult due to the amount that you need to write in the given timeframe. I found in the mocks my knowledge of the course was not a problem, but the time management aspect was. In my real exam I was fortunately able to answer all ten questions and I am hoping they are detailed enough answers to pass the PMQ.
In my last blog post I referenced two projects I was given to manage including the extractor fans and PIV units and the short-term van hire. A decision on the extractor fans has been put on hold by the client so we are awaiting authority to proceed. Another of our clients is currently undertaking a large fleet replacement procurement. As part of this procurement, we have been tasked with undertaking project management activities such as managing the returns of the leased fleet – including the short-term hires.
So far, I feel my project management apprenticeship has gone well. Having mentors such as Gary and Tom have really contributed to my development and confidence, and I am looking forward to completing my apprenticeship. I hope in the near future I will be able to take on even more responsibilities by being assigned my own smaller procurement projects, so that I can continue to contribute to the business and its growth.
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