Brad Kudirka recently completed his Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship with Sovereign Network Group through Oxford Professional Education. Read on as Brad shares insights into his apprenticeship and how it has positively impacted his career at SNG.
What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?
I have been a housing and leasehold specialist in a variety of roles at SNG 4 years before starting the apprenticeship. I joined our transformation team in January 2023 as a junior project manager, delivering business improvement projects in our customer directorate.
Why did you decide to sign up to the apprenticeship?
I signed up to the apprenticeship as part of taking on a new role within the organisation. The apprenticeship provided me with the off the job learning I needed to thrive in my new environment.
On a personal note, I really enjoy learning and gaining professional qualifications, so this was an opportunity for me to further develop my skills and gain knowledge in new transferable areas.
How did you find studying an apprenticeship?
I have absolutely loved it. I have been spoilt by having 1 on 1 coaching due to my cohort reducing in size throughout the course. This has enabled me to speed up the course and learn at my own pace, keeping motivation high.
I have been able to apply learnings from every session into my role which has been rewarding and beneficial to my confidence in the role as well as increasing the benefit to the organisation I work for.
How does the apprenticeship support your daily work?
My role as a junior project manager at SNG means that a project management apprenticeship has been incredibly useful for supporting my development within the organisation as well as my ability in the role. Each workshop provided me with new knowledge, skills, and tools to improve my ability and confidence in the role.
Tell us about the company and what your job role involves?
SNG is a housing association operating in the south of the UK. It provides affordable housing to around 210,000 customers. My role in our transformation team supports continuous improvement, delivering projects to enhance SNG’s service to our customers and colleagues.
How does Oxford Professional Education support you in your apprenticeship?
Flexibility was Oxford Professional Education’s biggest positive for me during my apprenticeship. They, with the support of the trainers were able to work at my pace, ensuring that everyone was prepared for the increase in pace and all supporting materials were available. The regular check ins and friendly approach from all the staff only further increased my experience with Oxford Professional Education.
Would you recommend this apprenticeship to others?
Absolutely, if you have an interest in or are a project manager this course would increase your knowledge, skills and confidence in the topic whilst potentially opening some doors along the way.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to keep on top of everything, which is easier said than done when juggling the course with a busy role. Don’t leave it all to the last minute and try to apply it to the real world where possible.
I would also add that despite the effort, it is all worth it. There is a huge sense of achievement from completing the course and if you are able to manage the workload it will bring you some much knowledge and opportunity for future development.
Oxford Professional Education offer a range of marketing, project management, and procurement apprenticeships. If you are interested in completing an apprenticeship or would like to hire an apprentice for your company, get in touch with our team to find out more.