We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Project Manager Apprentice to join our dynamic Children’s Services Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 18 month fixed term contract. As the Project Manager Apprentice, you will be responsible for supporting the School Organisation & Place Planning Manager in delivering sufficient school places across the borough. This pivotal role will be involved in work that is important in ensuring that all children have a school place within the borough. The team plans and supports change for all age ranges from pre-school, through primary and secondary to sixth form provision. While school place planning and change making activity are not core post responsibilities, you will gain considerable insight into these key activities. You may also work on projects under the leadership of the Admissions and Transport manager. This might include helping develop new initiatives to promote independent travel to school by children with a range of special education needs and disabilities. Apprenticeship: The apprenticeship is delivered remotely by Lifetime Training via 1:1 facilitated learning sessions and virtual learning. There are functional skills days where learners from different sectors and organisations network, share best practices and learn from each other. Associate Project Manager (APM) Webinars are interactive and engage delegates with training content. These are tailored by the Management Development Coach for learners to gain essential tips and advice on how best to approach and complete assessments with opportunities to network and maintain relationships with others on the cohort. There are practice assessments including initial assessment and diagnostic, employer skills endorsement checks and End Point Assessment practice and APM exam practice. Benefits: Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 5 years continued local government service, plus Bank Holidays ⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline ⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes ⭐ And much more Key responsibilities: To pursue a course of study leading to a professional qualification in project management. To act as the Children's Services representative on a range of education capital projects, working with technical project managers and senior school staff. To manage a range of ad-hoc transformation projects within the service area. To collect and prepare data for others, including for statutory returns to the DfE. To manage delegated budgets, including for Furniture and Equipment for new and expanded schools. Candidate requirements: Well-developed written and verbal communication skills. The ability to write detailed reports independently utilising information provided by both internal and external colleagues The ability to interrogate & analyse complex data & information and to present findings clearly and succinctly. Good IT skills, including word processing skills in Microsoft Office, and in database systems. Proven experience of collaborative working within a team. Driving license is desirable. Our Area: Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today. For further discussion please contact Piers Brunning, School Organisation and Place Planning Manager - piers.brunningwokingham.gov.uk Closing: 9th March 2025, 11pm Interviews: TBC Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.