Project Planning & Controls – Project Management Associate Higher Apprenticeship
Thales · North West · SK3 0XB
About the role
Ready to turn your curiosity into a career? ✨ If you're buzzing with project ideas and eager to level up your skills, this apprenticeship is your launchpad! 🚀 Combine awesome academic learning with real-world, hands-on experience at a global leader 🌍. This isn't just a job, it's your opportunity to grow and shine with us! We can't wait to hear from you!
Why This Apprenticeship Rocks:
- Get Paid While You Learn: Earn a salary 💸 as you smash your apprenticeship goals.
- Real Deal Experience: Dive into the world of Bid & Project Management. 🎯
- Level Up Your Skills: Get training designed specifically for the job. 🎓
- Get Certified: Achieve a qualification that's recognized and respected. ✅
- Secure Your Future: A permanent role from day one means stability and growth. 📈
- Zero Tuition Fees: We've got your education covered! 📚
What You'll Be Doing (The Role):
Jump into our exciting Project Planning & Controls Apprenticeship and become a key player in our Bid and Project Management team at Thales. You'll gain a solid understanding of planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controls – building the foundation to support and manage projects that deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers worldwide. 🌎 Our Bid and Project Management functions are all about making sure projects hit their targets, maintaining strong governance, and keeping our processes smooth and effective.
Your Mission (Responsibilities):
- Help build and keep our project schedules on track. 🗓️
- Contribute to project reports and join review meetings. 🤝
- Assist in managing and reporting on risks and opportunities. 💡
- Ensure project rules and procedures are followed. ✔️
- Use Thales UK tools to manage project schedules, budgets, risks, and opportunities. 💻
- Commit to all parts of the apprenticeship: virtual training, coaching, assignments, exams, and essential Thales UK training. 🌱
What You'll Master (Learning):
- Project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and control techniques. 📊
- Supporting successful bids and project delivery. 🚀
- Applying governance, assurance, and project management processes. 🏛️
- Creating and managing integrated project schedules and plans. ✍️
- Tracking performance, risks, costs, and progress. 📈
- Helping to deliver amazing, world-leading solutions. ⭐
The Apprenticeship Journey:
This is a 2-year Higher Apprenticeship where you'll learn the ins and outs of Project Management from the ground up, with support from a top industry name. You'll get tailored on-the-job training alongside your studies, building practical skills and knowledge. Your learning will be delivered virtually, featuring live workshops, 1-2-1 coaching, and self-directed activities. Upon successfully completing your End Point Assessment, you'll transition into a Project Planner or Project Controller role within Thales UK's Bid and Project Management team.
Who We're Looking For:
We're searching for individuals who are energetic, motivated, committed, and super keen to learn! 🤩 If you're a self-starter who can juggle tasks, take initiative, and genuinely interested in project planning/controls and Thales, we want you! 💪 Self-discipline and a drive to achieve your qualification are key.
Entry Requirements:
- 2 A Levels at Grade C or above (any subject) OR equivalent Level 3 qualification (e.g., BTEC Diploma MM, T Level Merit, Level 3 Apprenticeship).
- Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths. 📚
Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary: £24,000 per year. 💰
- Performance Bonuses: Potential for uplifts based on your performance. 🌟
- Holiday: 201 hours per year (plus company day & bank holidays). 🏖️
- Pension: Contributory Company Pension scheme. 🛡️
- Healthcare: Health Care Cash Plan. 💊
- Flexibility: Hybrid/flexible working options. 🏠
- Support: Employee assistance programme. 🤗
- Growth: Learning and development support. 🌱
- Savings: Employee discounts. 🛍️
- Security: Life Cover. 💼
- Give Back: 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years). ❤️
How to Apply:
1. Apply Online: Submit your application to register your interest. You only need to register for one role initially. 💻
2. Upload CV: Add your CV.
3. Check Emails: Look out for an invitation to apply from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com. 📧
4. Complete Application: Follow the link in the email to finish your application. You can apply for your primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
5. Online Tests: Complete assessments to evaluate your suitability. 🧠
6. Virtual Assessment Centre: If you progress, you'll attend a virtual assessment including group exercises and interviews. 🗣️
7. Job Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer from Thales! 🎉
Important Dates:
- Assessment Centres: February - May 2027
- Induction Week: Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027
- Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027. APPLY EARLY! Roles can close sooner if we get lots of applications. 🏃💨
Security Requirements:
Due to the nature of our work, all roles require security checks. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to pass UK Government security checks (BPSS and potentially SC). To be eligible for SC clearance, you'll typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. For this specific role supporting a UK Eyes Only programme, you must be a British citizen from birth with no other nationality. This is a government requirement for programme access.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting with the creation and maintenance of integrated master schedules for assigned projects
- Contributing to project reports and attending associated reviews
- Assisting in the deployment and reporting of risk and opportunity management
- Helping the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied
- Operating Thales UK tools for effective management of project schedule, budgets, risks, and opportunities