The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is looking for a Project Support Apprentice. This is an entry-level position suitable for someone at the start of their project management career who is motivated to grow and develop.
Our ideal candidate is expected to hold A level 3 qualification (two passes at A level) along with level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics and have strong interest in project management. High attention to detail and accuracy, excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a proven ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and deliver effective outcomes on time. Previous exposure of project administration and stakeholder management are also essential for the apprentice.
The Project Support Apprentice is responsible for providing effective, efficient administrative support for the day-to-day activities of allocated projects and assistance to the Senior Project Manager.
The Project Support Apprentice will work as part of an international team/project team, who are committed to delivering projects in time. The successful apprentice will have excellent organisational and communication skills, project governance and stakeholder management knowledge. They will have a ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to learn new project management tools and processes.
Position Accountabilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide project support by assisting with project plans, risk and issue logs, reports, task and documentation updates.
- Adhere to governance, service delivery protocols and secure working practices when handling sensitive or confidential information.
- Provide meeting support by preparing agenda, taking minutes, circulating papers, ownership of action follow-up and suitable hospitality arrangements.
- Assist with the administration and task management of MS SharePoint documents and Jira tasks.
- Assist with carrying out user acceptance testing (UAT) and coordination of UAT.
- Liaise with staff members, or other business functions, to co-ordinate or resolve tasks, actions and issues as they arise.
- Plan and organise delegated work activities to ensure completion by set timelines.
- Assist in invoice preparation, coordination of sign-off and submission to client.
- Organise travel and accommodation for project team.
- Assist with updates to promotional, training materials and website update and where required coordination of these activities.
- Contribute to processes improvement and the enhancement of existing project administration systems.
- Contribute to quality assurance activities.
- Work on other projects / programs as and when required.
- Share project materials and communications with customers.
The apprentice is expected to spend 80% of their time learning on the job, and 20% working towards apprenticeship study for a Level 4 Associate Project Management qualification over 16-18 months period.
Decision Making Authority
The Project Support Apprentice is required to exercise initiative in carrying out delegated responsibilities, although with consultation with the Project Team. Work is within established routines. Decisions are made with reference to the Senior Project Manager.
The Project Support Apprentice assumes no supervisory or management responsibilities.
Organisational Accountabilities
Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:- Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
- Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
- Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
- Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
- Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
- Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships
- Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
- Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
- Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others.
Qualifications
A level 3 ((two passes at A level)) qualification along with level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written in English.
- Advanced organisational skills and to use own initiative.
- Advanced ability to respond and deliver to non-scheduled activities.
- Advanced computer literacy, including experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Prior experience on project governance, administration and stakeholder management.
- Proven experience in continuous skills development.
Desirable
- Familiar with project management methodology, in particular PRINCE2.
- Experience in meeting support, including preparing agendas and taking minutes.
- Experience in carrying out UAT.
- Experience working in a client service environment.
- Experience with Jira task management and workflows.
- Experience with Jira, MS SharePoint and content management systems.
- Experience in copy writing and editing.
- Experience with MS Office (PowerPoint, Projects, Visio).
The successful apprentice will be based at ACER UK’s London office in West Hampstead two days per week in a hybrid arrangement. The closest underground station, Finchley Road, is within two minutes’ walk.
Please note that the applicants must satisfy:
- right to Work in the UK
- have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years
- aged 16+
- not already be in full-time education at the point of enrolment
- not already hold a qualification at the same level or above in the same area
Applications close at 23:59 on Monday 22 May 2023 (BST).
ACER UK is proud to be an equal opportunity (EO) and Disability Confident Committed employer. We recognise the value of equity and diversity in the workplace and the significant advantages that a supportive and inclusive culture plays in helping our employees reach their full potential.
Having recognition of Disability Confident Committed employer means that we are committed to employing disabled people and will:
- actively look to attract and recruit disabled people
- provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process
- offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job
- be flexible with assessing people so disabled applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job
- make reasonable adjustments as required.