The APM Project Management Training Specialist, Parallel Project Training has today been listed as an approved supporting provider for project management apprenticeships by the Skills Funding Agency. Parallel is one of very few specialist APM project management training providers approved on the first list of apprentice providers.
The assessment covered
- The financial health of the organisation, it’s profitability, balance sheet and cash reserves.
- Capability including your safeguarding policy to ensure the welfare of apprentices that you are training and data protection
- Quality including communications in the organisation, the apprentice journey and quality assurance.
This means that Parallel can work with employer providers and main providers to provide high-quality apprenticeships programmes. Parallel has already announced a partnership with the main provider Interserve Learning and Employment to offer an end-to-end Project Management Apprentice Programme.
The programme is available as either an 18 or 24-month versions. The 18-month version is designed for mature learners who are moving into project management as a new role and while the 24-month version fits the needs of new starters.
Programme Components.
To pass the end point assessment, the apprentice must show that they can demonstrate the core knowledge, skills and behaviours of an effective project manager.
Knowledge Component
Knowledge of project management is confirmed by a gateway assessment based on the APM Project Management Qualification. Parallel has significant experience supporting candidates prepare successfully for this qualification. In-face we wrote the study guide for the APM. As part of this programme, Parallel offers face-to-face training, webinars, podcasts, e-learning, as well as the study guide, monthly homework and a mock exam. No-one will be better prepared for what can be a challenging examination
Skills Component.
The ultimate aim is the application of knowledge to real projects. However to help build a bridge between theory and practice the 24-month programme also include skills development workshops. During these sessions, the principles of project management, as learned in the APM PMQ, are applied to a simulated project. This helps the apprentice to not only develop the practical skills of project management (such as risk analysis, change control and planning) but also the behaviours such as effective negotiation and team working.
Application
The final stage is to demonstrate the use of these new knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace. To facilitate this, the apprentices are set focused work based assignments, such as completing a stakeholder analysis for the project they are working on. These work based assignments support the learning and also provide the evidence required for the end point assessment.
Parallel are pleased to be working with apprentice experts Interserve Learning and Employment on this project. They offer significant infrastructure support to the programme and have the necessary resources to support the apprentices along each step in the journey.
