DNO Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship - AUKUS

at  Ministry of Defence

JOB SUMMARY

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security? Then this DNO Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship programme could be the opportunity you are looking for!
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
This is a genuinely exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues. You will get to work on a high profile and distinctive portfolio which is rarely out of the news and have a unique insight into the captivating world of nuclear.
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The role will be filled by an apprentice who will provide project support to AUKUS. AUKUS is the trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK, and US. Announced in 2021, it endeavours to support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. The apprentice will utilise the project delivery skills that they develop on the apprenticeship, including supporting different projects within the AUKUS programme. They will be required to be flexible and adjust to priorities as they evolve, with a requirement to lean into different parts of the programme. They will develop strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders across the UK Programme Delivery Office (PDO).
It is a truly unique undertaking, and the role holder will have an excellent opportunity to see first-hand how major Defence programmes are established and run.
The position is a 24 Month Fixed Term Appointment. You will be responsible for finding a permanent post after your apprenticeship ends, and we will offer appropriate support to you in relation to career development.

In addition to completing a Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, you will also:

• Learn the fundamental skills you need to begin your career as an associate project manager.
• Gain invaluable knowledge, experience, behaviours and transferable skills, and be able to immediately apply these in the workplace.
• Have ring-fenced off-the-job training/study time as part of your apprenticeship pathway.
• Be supported by experienced mentors and managers who will guide you through your apprenticeship, and career development.

There is a non-contractual expectation of being in the office three days a week. Working from other sites and supplier visitors contribute to this.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible to apply for this level 4 apprenticeship you must:
- Currently hold five full GCSEs at A*-C or grades 4-9 OR Scottish National 5 Certificate A-C. - to include English Language and Maths

and;

• the role requires you to currently hold two full A-Levels at grades A*-D in any subject (or equivalent)
• cannot hold any other Project manager qualification at level 4 or above*.
• PMF & Prince 2 are excluded from this.

Please note - You will be asked to provide evidence of essential qualifications e.g Original certificates, as they are required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.
Please see the guide for acceptable equivalents – What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-level) and (https://scqf.org.uk/media/e5pjypw4/qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf) for Scotland.

DISCOVER MY BENEFITS

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.
https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

HYBRID WORKING

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estates capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). DBS cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
Things you need to know

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS - FURTHER INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

1. This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’1 (Paragraph. 3.1).

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project support responsibilities can include (but are not limited to):

• Risks and Issues: Assist with and maintain risk and issue logs, escalating where appropriate.
• Administration: Be responsible for project file management using robust version control. Organise key project meetings and provide secretariat support.
• Resources: Ensure any organograms remain up to date.
• Stakeholders: Assist with maintaining the stakeholder log for internal and external stakeholder managements. Act as the focal point for project responses to external requests for information.
• Planning: Create and maintain plans, including liaising a central planning team to ensure individual project plans align with overarching plans for the whole programme.
• Assurance: Establishing, planning, and managing reviews at appropriate points during all stages of the project life cycle.
• Change Control: Applying change control to manage and document all requests that alter the scope of a project, seeking authority accordingly. This includes the capture, evaluation and approval or rejection of any requests.
• Proactively undertake Continuing Professional Development, furthering capability of both individual and team, supporting the associated PM team current aims.