Project Manager Apprentice

About Institute of Development Studies:

We are excited to offer an opportunity to join our Project Management Unit as a Project Management Apprentice. This role supports our mission to deliver high-quality project management, research administration, and financial coordination across the organisation.

You will work alongside experienced project management professionals who uphold our values of quality, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our teams work closely to provide excellent support for project development, planning, budget management and operational delivery.

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification, supported by both internal mentors and an external Apprenticeship Training Provider.

About the role:

We are seeking a motivated and organised Project Management Apprentice to join our Project Management Unit (PMU). This is a trainee role, offering comprehensive on-the-job training combined with structured learning delivered through our selected training provider.

You will contribute to the smooth running of the PMU, supporting colleagues across two project support teams. The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

This apprenticeship will equip you with essential administrative, communication, and project support skills, providing a foundation for a career in project management.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting colleagues to deliver project management activities across the organisation’s project portfolio.
• Assisting daily PMU operations including maintaining online filing systems, diaries, mailing lists, and contact databases.
• Providing team administration support such as arranging meetings, taking minutes, managing schedules, and helping organise retreats and workshops.
• Supporting the Project Assistant with the PMU helpdesk function and routine administrative tasks.
• Preparing documents in line with house style guidelines, collating information, and supporting proposal development.
• Making travel arrangements, managing bookings, and handling logistics for events and meetings.
• Processing invoices, expense claims, and supporting financial administration.
• Responding to general enquiries, assisting visitors, and liaising with internal and external contacts.
• Updating intranet and internet content and supporting information distribution across digital platforms.

What we are looking for:

• A strong team player with good communication skills.
• Ability to work methodically, manage multiple tasks, and prioritise effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn, develop new skills, and work with colleagues across different professional areas.
• Respectful, culturally aware, and able to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to coordinate meetings and support events.
• Interest in project management and administrative work.
• Experience with web editing, CRM systems, or budget monitoring (desirable but not essential).

Entry requirements:

• Level 3 Qualification (Apprenticeship/A Levels/BTEC etc). 
• OR equivalent work experience (typically 2 years in a relevant role).

AND:

• 5 x GCSE’s including English & Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above.

You may also have a combination of qualifications and experience which demonstrate the minimum foundation needed for the programme. In this instance you could still be considered for the programme.

If you hold international equivalents of the above qualifications, at the time of your application you must be able to provide an official document that states how your international qualifications compare to the UK qualifications.

For more information please visit the UK ENIC website. 

Working hours: Hours are flexible starting between 8.30am - 10am for 7 hours with an hour lunch break. Role is hybrid, working in the office minimum of 3 days.

Interview process: A face to face interview with a small test, 8-10 questions with a panel of three people.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working post-training (3 days a week in office, 2 days at home).
• 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays, this increases with your service.
• Employee experiences - Social events and regular engagement activities, such as Christmas and Summer parties, in office events and competitions and long service awards. Activities for key inclusion events and wellbeing webinars. Internal employee recognition schemes such as employee of the month and end of year awards
• Training & development opportunities - A huge range of internal and external training available, including apprenticeships (levels 3,4 & 5).

Future prospects:

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may provide opportunities for progression into project support or project management roles.

About QA:

Our apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain new skills, earn while you learn, and launch yourself into an exciting future. With over 50,000 successful apprenticeship graduates, we're a top 50 training provider, dedicated to helping you succeed.

Interested? Apply now!

Please be advised that this advert may close prior to the closing date stated above if a high number of applications are received. If you are interested in this vacancy please apply below as soon as possible.