Associate Project Manager

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is suitable for anyone wanting to develop their project management skills and capabilities.

It is a good fit for Entry-level project management talent, people looking to upskill or cross-train into project management and staff where projects and project management plays a large part of their role.

Suitable for anyone in the following types of roles:  Junior Project Manager, Project Support Assistant, Project Manager, Project Officer, Project Co-Ordinator.  However, it is not necessary to have ‘Project’ in your job title, if you are/will be working on projects and developing project management skills is a strong feature of your role.

Why study this course?

You will learn how to support and deliver the full lifecycle of a project / projects. They will learn about stakeholder engagement, project planning, how to monitor the quality and performance of a project and identify risks and opportunities.

You will also learn about business cases and evaluating them to ensure the project remains valid. How to prepare, create and maintain relevant documentation for projects and learn about different project management methodologies, tools and technology to enhance productivity. Throughout the programme they will be equipped with all the necessary skills to become a successful, qualified project manager.

Where will I study?

This course is a fully online learning experience that uses QA’s blended approach that accelerates skill development and achievement through a Discover, Practice, Apply methodology, ensuring both learners and employers are fully supported throughout their programme:

Discover – learners will use QA’s learning platform to follow a development path focused on their job role.
Practice – you will then come together for live instructor-led training sessions, practising your new skills through hands-on labs and sandboxes in a safe environment (10 instructor-led training days across the apprenticeship)
Apply – your new knowledge, skills are then applied through work-based activities at key and sequenced stages, supported by your dedicated DLC (Digital Learning Consultant) at QA.

Entry requirements 

- 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in any subjects
- GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades 3+ (D or above), OR 18+ months experience in a project-oriented role on a regular basis and line manager support to achieve the off the job learning hours

Must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level as these apprenticeships in the subject of project management e.g. degree or masters. However shorter courses (such as PRINCE2 Agile or PMQ) is usually ok.  

Assessment

Being part of a project team is beneficial, but it is not essential if your role involves contributing to or supporting project delivery.  Ideally, you should be engaged in the full lifecycle of a project - from initiation to completion.  This includes having the opportunity to review a project's business case, participate in planning activities, and contribute to the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the project's progress.

There are no exams* – throughout the apprenticeship journey, learners will be required to complete a series of tasks and activities and build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their ability to meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the Associate Project Manager Level 4 apprenticeship standard. This will be guided by their Digital Learning Consultant.

They are formally assessed at the end of the apprenticeship via two methods:
1.    Project Report and Presentation
2.    Professional discussion – a formal two-way conversation to showcase KSBs and understanding

*Learners will no longer have to complete any formal examinations to achieve their apprenticeship. However, if you wish to take the additional professional certification to get the APM PMQ, Agile or PRINCE2 Foundation this is a choice. If you decide not to do the exam, this has no bearing on your apprenticeship result. However, if you choose to do the exam, you get one free attempt and if you pass you get another certification.