#AskAnApprentice : Ben Limehouse’s experience as an apprentice with Arcus FM

Overall, how would you describe your apprenticeship with Arcus?

In 2020, I was successful in securing a new role as a project manager with Arcus. Since I joined Arcus back in 2009, I have worked on mobilisations and lots of process changes over this time. I was actively looking for some formal qualification to support my journey as project manager and ensure I maximise my success. I saw an opportunity for the level six Apprenticeship which is a four-year Degree. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as a mature student, however the University course director and the Arcus Learning and Development team were great at supporting this process. I attend Coventry University every Friday and attending face to face lectures is something I’ve been really grateful for because the learning is focused, which can be a challenge compared to remote and online learning.

What advice would you give to others starting an apprenticeship?

The best advice I can give is take a risk, we are all responsible for our own development and you have to mentally prepare for a change. Going back to university now was much easier this time

round because you can apply experience to theory. Don’t assume you can’t do it because you are older – if anything I have found that this has made the experience more meaningful and has helped to bring concepts and ideas to life. There is an element of time management and making time to accommodate learning and assignments but after the first few modules I got into a routine which worked for me.

What skills and experiences have you learnt from your apprenticeship?

I am in a small cohort of other mature students studying the same degree, it’s been really valuable to share and learn from real life scenarios that we face each week. The course covers six modules each year and all of this is geared towards supporting the Associate of Project Managers qualification in year two and my degree classification in year four. I’m currently in my second year and will be completing an assessment this year to get accredited.

Overall, how would you describe your apprenticeship with Arcus?

In 2020, I was successful in securing a new role as a project manager with Arcus. Since I joined Arcus back in 2009, I have worked on mobilisations and lots of process changes over this time. I was actively looking for some formal qualification to support my journey as project manager and ensure I maximise my success. I saw an opportunity for the level six Apprenticeship which is a four-year Degree. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as a mature student, however the University course director and the Arcus Learning and Development team were great at supporting this process. I attend Coventry University every Friday and attending face to face lectures is something I’ve been really grateful for because the learning is focused, which can be a challenge compared to remote and online learning.

What advice would you give to others starting an apprenticeship?

The best advice I can give is take a risk, we are all responsible for our own development and you have to mentally prepare for a change. Going back to university now was much easier this time

round because you can apply experience to theory. Don’t assume you can’t do it because you are older – if anything I have found that this has made the experience more meaningful and has helped to bring concepts and ideas to life. There is an element of time management and making time to accommodate learning and assignments but after the first few modules I got into a routine which worked for me.

What skills and experiences have you learnt from your apprenticeship?

I am in a small cohort of other mature students studying the same degree, it’s been really valuable to share and learn from real life scenarios that we face each week. The course covers six modules each year and all of this is geared towards supporting the Associate of Project Managers qualification in year two and my degree classification in year four. I’m currently in my second year and will be completing an assessment this year to get accredited.