Michael Hetherington is a Clinical Trial Monitor working on the PANTHER Project in the Department of Surgery & Cancer. He successfully completed his Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship in 2025 and shares his journey here.
Learner Case Study
- Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
- What new skills did you gain?
- How did you balance the apprenticeship with your work role?
- What was the most rewarding part of the apprenticeship experience?
- What advice would you give to colleagues considering an apprenticeship?
I heard about apprenticeships during a virtual onboarding session when I first joined Imperial. I had been exploring opportunities to add formal project management qualifications to my CV for a while, so this looked feasible. I was also intrigued by apprenticeships in general, as I took the university route but knew peers who had completed them. After the session, I contacted the apprenticeships team, who were extremely helpful in discussing my suitability and onboarding for the course.
I learnt the Association for Project Management’s project management framework, along with techniques for stakeholder management, budgeting, and governance. I improved my report writing and my use of Microsoft Office applications by creating diagrams, graphs and other material for my portfolio and presentation. Looking at the bigger picture, I learnt more about how my organisation and workplace functions. In more detail, I gained skills in risk management, resource management, and how projects move through different lifecycles.
First and foremost, I maintained strong relationships with my Imperial line manager and apprenticeship tutor; two people who are invaluable for your success. I communicated openly and effectively with both about demands and deadlines. I had to be independent and organised to coordinate my workload to accommodate the extra demands of the apprenticeship. Setting aside set time for apprenticeship work helps, but there will be times when you need to be flexible.
Gaining a formal Level 4 apprenticeship qualification alongside the Association for Project Management’s Project Management Qualification was extremely rewarding. It was my first real evidence of CPD since graduating and has built the foundation for my career in project management. I can proudly say I have now completed a degree and an apprenticeship. It was rewarding to see my journey from sitting in the virtual meeting to completing an exam and portfolio 18 months later.
If you are looking for a new challenge, certainly explore the opportunity. Be mindful of the extra demands, as you may need to give up free time for assignments. The journey will have ups and downs, but the ultimate reward awaits at the end. Have an informed discussion with your manager to keep them informed of the requirements, as you will need to work closely throughout the programme.