COURSE

L4 Associate Project Manager

Projects can be defined and delivered within different contexts, across diverse industry sectors. Every project needs to be managed to ensure its success, an associate project manager knows what needs to be achieved, how it will be achieved, how long it will take and how much it will cost and works with the project team to achieve the required outcomes. Associate project managers need good planning, organisation, leadership, management and communication skills. An associate project manager utilises resources with suitable skills, qualifications, experience and knowledge to work together in a motivated and integrated team, with clearly defined reporting lines, roles, responsibilities and authorities.

Aims of this qualification

This apprenticeship has been developed to prepare an apprentice for an Associate Project Manager (Level 4) role. The potential opportunities available are huge as projects can be large or small, defined and delivered within different contexts and across diverse industry sectors.

Job Roles this qualification is suitable for:

Dependent upon the size of the organisations and the complexity of projects, associate project managers’ job titles will vary, but typically they can include: assistant project manager, junior project manager, project team leader.

On Programme Learning:

It is strongly recommended that on programme assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviour outcomes en-route to the final synoptic end-point assessment takes place.

The programme consists of the following:

  • Associate Project Manager standard
  • Project management qualification recognised by the IPMA at level D
  • Level 2 English and Mathematics qualifications to be achieved before entry or during the apprenticeship, prior to the end-point assessment ie: Functional Skills at level 2

End Point Assessment:

**During the apprenticeship, apprentices will be required to pass an examination leading to a qualification recognised at Level D by the International Project Management Association (IPMA)**

https://www.apm.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/project-management-qualification

LEVEL D IPMA

The IPMA (International Project Management Association) Level D qualification provides the Level 4 apprentice with a cross industry recognised qualification. It has been welcomed by industry and has been endorsed by the Employer Development Group (EDG) to continue as an integral component of the Associate Project Manager Trailblazer.

The level 4 IPMA level D qualification is a knowledge-based qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession, that allows candidates to demonstrate understanding of all elements of project management. This exam will be completed offsite at a registered location throughout the UK.

There are two examination routes for the qualification:

  • A 3-hour paper where candidates must answer ten from sixteen questions

OR

  • For PRINCE2® Registered Practitioners a 2-hour paper that recognises prior learning. In this paper candidates must answer six from ten questions

How is it delivered?

You will be allocated a qualified Tutor to support the full completion of your qualification and prepare you for end point assessment. You will undertake group teaching and learning sessions (4 in total) and you will also undertake visits with your Tutor in the workplace (where necessary) and have access to a blended learning model including the use of technology such as Skype, Webinar and VLE resources.

Your Tutor will aim to have contact with you on a monthly basis to conduct teaching, learning and assessments (where appropriate) which will be planned with you and your manager. The Tutor will manage your portfolio of evidence using an online electronic system called Onefile and give you regular updates about progress. You can contact your Tutor in between visits to discuss any aspect of your qualification and will be able to access your portfolio 24/7.

End Point Assessment

An End-Point Assessment will be carried out by staff from an independent End-point assessment provider approved by the Register of Apprenticeship Organisation.

The end-point assessment is designed to enable apprentices to demonstrate that they are fully conversant in the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected of individuals at this level. It is designed to provide assessors with a holistic view of the apprentice, and to allow them to assess to what extent the apprentice meets or exceeds the apprenticeship standard.

The End Point Assessment will test the entire Standard, and be undertaken as follows:

  • Presentation supported by a portfolio of evidence (to be submitted prior to the end point assessment)
  • Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence (to be submitted prior to the end point assessment)
  • The End Point Assessment requires apprentices to demonstrate they have achieved the standard

Assessment Gateway

Apprentices will be eligible to be put forward for the end-point assessment after a minimum of 12 months (the period is expected typically to vary between 18 and 24 months) provided that they have completed the on-programme assessment described earlier.

The purpose of the end point assessment is to test (in a synoptic way) the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the apprentice as set out in the apprenticeship standard.

How long will it take to complete?

The qualification usually takes around 24 months however it is possible to complete earlier depending on existing achievement and individual circumstance- this can be discussed with your Tutor.

Progression routes:

APM have agreed that Apprentices may become Student Members of the APM at the start of their apprenticeship. Apprentices may also be able to apply for professional status with any other relevant professional body.

Successful apprentices will have a qualification enabling registration with the IPMA as Level D, which enables them to be registered with the APM as an Associate Member.

We at Pier Training would be very happy to discuss any aspect of this or any other Apprenticeship Qualification you may be interested in.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.