Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship
As a Workplace Mentor for the Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship (PMDA), you play a crucial role in developing the next generation of professional project managers. This programme is designed to equip apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to excel in project management roles and drive organisational success.
On this page:
Programme Overview
The Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines academic learning with practical workplace experience. Here's what you need to know:
- Duration: 3 years, including End-Point Assessment (EPA)
- Qualification: BSc (Hons) Project Management
- Professional recognition:
- International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D qualification
- CMI Level 5 Certificate in Project Management
This apprenticeship is ideal for both new and existing project managers looking to enhance their skills and gain a formal project management qualification. As a mentor, you'll support apprentices in applying their learning to real-world business challenges, helping them develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IfATE) apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
- Academic learning: covers essential project management topics, including governance and financial controls of projects, project justification and change control, quality and risk management and commercial procurement and contract management
- Work-based projects: Apprentices will tackle real organisational challenges, applying their learning directly to your business
- Professional development: focus on personal effectiveness and core project management competencies
- End-point assessment: includes a review of the apprentice's portfolio, a work-based project, and an interview
Your role as a Workplace Mentor is vital in guiding apprentices through this journey, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice, and supporting their professional growth.
We are here to support you in this important role. Explore the resources and guidance provided on this site to help you effectively mentor your PMDA apprentice and contribute to their success.
Meet the Team
At the heart of the Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship (PMDA) programme is a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting both mentors and apprentices throughout their journey. Our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for developing future leaders in management.
Angela Danks
Email: A.Danks@exeter.ac.uk
I’m Angela Danks and I joined Exeter University Business School as an Academic Mentor for the Financial Services Degree Apprenticeship Programme in September 2022. I have previously worked in financial services for over 30 years.
I have spent the last 20 years as a Senior Change Leader which included sponsoring apprenticeship programmes, as well as coaching and mentoring individuals inside and outside of financial services.
I firmly believe that apprenticeship programmes provide a valuable opportunity to grow as an individual, building networks and experience, as well as providing a first class education in the degree and industry qualifications; what better way to build a career for the future.
Qualifications:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- BA Hons Business Studies with Marketing
- Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM Dip)
- Chartered Institute of Banking (ACIB)
- Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
Angela Danks - A.Danks@exeter.ac.uk - Read more about Angela Here
Our Academic Mentors are dedicated to supporting apprentices in navigating the apprenticeship components of the PMDA programme. They play a crucial role in guiding apprentices through the process of compiling their portfolio of evidence, which showcases their learning and development throughout the programme.
Academic Mentors work closely with apprentices to ensure that they understand the requirements for their portfolios, helping them to document their experiences, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate the competencies gained in the workplace. By providing ongoing support and feedback, our Academic Mentors empower Apprentices to effectively articulate their achievements and prepare for their End-Point Assessment (EPA). Their focus on practical application and real-world experiences is essential in helping apprentices succeed in their project management roles.
Academic Mentors
Lead Academic Mentor - Steph McKay - s.a.mckay@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Steph Here
Alan Colgan - a.c.colgan@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Alan Here
Sharon Potter - s.potter2@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Sharon Here
Open Cohorts
Ben Cowan - Education Support Administrator - b.cowan@exeter.ac.uk
Charlotte Churchward - Employer Partnership Officer - c.churchward@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Charlotte Here
Closed Cohorts
Steve Smith - Employer Partnership Manager - s.smith10@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Steve Here
Your Commitment Matters
Each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that mentors have the resources and support they need to guide apprentices effectively. We believe that a strong mentor-apprentice relationship is key to the success of the PMDA programme, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or for additional support. Together, we can make a significant impact on the professional growth of our apprentices.
Key Information and Events
Staying informed about important dates and events is crucial for effectively supporting your apprentice throughout their PMDA journey. Below are the key milestones and events for the current academic year. Please note that specific dates may vary slightly for individual apprentices based on their start date.
Initial Contact and Meeting
Shortly after the apprentice's induction, the Academic Mentor will contact you as the Workplace Mentor to arrange an initial meeting with you. While this meeting is not compulsory, it is highly recommended as it provides an excellent opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the apprenticeship journey.
This initial meeting allows all parties to:
- Introduce themselves and clarify their roles
- Discuss expectations for the apprenticeship
- Address any initial questions or concerns
- Begin building a collaborative relationship
As a Workplace Mentor, your role in supporting your apprentice's development is crucial. There may be times when concerns arise about an apprentice's performance or progress. It's important to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the apprentice and the apprenticeship programme.
Recognising Performance Challenges
When an apprentice is struggling, the Academic Mentor will typically notify you via email as part of the escalation process. This communication will outline the specific concerns regarding the apprentice's performance, such as:
- Consistently missing deadlines
- Poor quality of work
- Lack of engagement in learning activities
- Failure to meet off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements
- Difficulties in applying learning to workplace tasks
Your Role in Addressing Concerns
Upon receiving notification from the Academic Mentor regarding performance challenges, your first step should be to meet with the apprentice to discuss the issues raised. Here’s how to approach this:
- Arrange a meeting: schedule a private meeting with your apprentice to discuss the concerns outlined in the Academic Mentor's email
- Ascertain the problem: use this opportunity to understand the extent of the problem; encourage your apprentice to share their perspective and any challenges they may be facing
- Explore solutions: collaborate with your apprentice to identify potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges
- Create an action plan: work together to develop a clear, achievable action plan that includes specific goals and timelines for improvement
- Follow up: schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide ongoing support as needed
- Document the process: keep records of your meetings, the agreed-upon actions, and the apprentice's progress
Seeking Additional Support
If you need clarification or further assistance:
- Consult with the Academic Mentor: if you have questions about the situation or need more information about the apprenticeship requirements, reach out to the Academic Mentor for guidance
- Escalation process: if the performance issues persist despite your interventions, or if you encounter a problem that you feel unable to resolve, inform the Academic Mentor
Preventive Measures
To help prevent performance issues:
- Maintain regular check-ins with your apprentice, such as weekly or bi-weekly meetings
- Provide timely feedback on their work and progress
- Ensure they have adequate time and resources for their off-the-job training
- Encourage open communication about any challenges they're facing
Remember, your primary role in addressing concerns is to support your apprentice's success in the programme. By taking a proactive, supportive approach and addressing issues early, you can help your apprentice overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Steph McKay
Lead Academic Mentor
Email: s.a.mckay@exeter.ac.uk
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Steph McKay
Email: s.a.mckay@exeter.ac.uk
As the Lead Academic Mentor for the PMDA, Steph oversees the academic support provided to Apprentices and Mentors alike. With extensive experience in teaching and learning in, she is committed to ensuring that all Apprentices achieve their academic goals. Steph serves as the primary point of contact for apprenticeship and portfolio enquiries and works closely with the entire mentoring team to align academic learning with workplace experiences.
Steph joined the Business School as a Degree Mentor in August 2021. Prior to this she worked within the private apprenticeships sector, specialising in financial services, following a successful career in the financial services industry for 6 years.
Steph is passionate about providing pastoral support and coaching people to gain the most from their experience while on their apprenticeship programme. She believes apprenticeships are an invaluable opportunity for career progression and self-development.
Qualifications:
Steph studied with the International Compliance Association and achieved a Level 4 in Risk and Compliance.
Career:
2 years in the education sector working for levy-funded apprenticeship organisations. 6 years in retail banking as an apprentice, gaining industry-recognised qualifications in Providing Financial Services and International Risk and Compliance.
In the last 2 years of retail banking, Stephanie raised over £30k for local and national charities as a charity partner.
Currently volunteering with Guide Dogs UK, helping to train and develop puppies into becoming life changers for those with sight loss in the UK.
Alan Colgan
Email: a.c.colgan@exeter.ac.uk
Alan joined the university in 2023, previously having worked in retail management, followed by several years delivering work-based qualifications, including apprenticeships. During this period, he has supported over 700 students to successfully achieve their qualifications.
Sharon Potter
Email: s.potter2@exeter.ac.uk
Sharon joined the University of Exeter Business School in July 2022 as an Academic Mentor for the Financial Apprenticeship programme. Sharon moved from a Partner Practice in Wealth Management as Client Services Manager. She oversaw the administration of a busy office, 5 financial advisors and gained her knowledge and understanding of workplace apprenticeship and the value to both employers and employees.
Sharon is passionate about supporting and mentoring individuals to realise their previously undiscovered potential through Coaching and guidance and to gain the most from their experience.
Her key strengths include: Team management; coaching and mentoring; training and developing others, and planning.
Career:
Sharon has over 27 years’ experience working in the financial sector; 22 of those years were working for the UK’s largest Building Society, Nationwide; 18 of those years’ in a managerial role, the last 7 years having been in a supervisory and compliance function.
Poppy Smith
Email: p.smith6@exeter.ac.uk
Poppy is responsible for providing administrative support and resources to both Mentors and Apprentices. She ensures that all necessary documentation is in place and assists with any logistical concerns related to the PMDA programme.
Steve Smith
Email: s.smith10@exeter.ac.uk
Steve is responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. He works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth apprenticeship experience.
Charlotte Churchward
Email: c.churchward@exeter.ac.uk
Charlotte is responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. She works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth apprenticeship experience.
