Project Management Apprentice (Level 4 Apprenticeship)

Project Management Apprentice (Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship)

Fixed Term, Full Time

£25,959 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 6th July

Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 21 months

Are you ready to start your career in project management and make a real difference from day one?

About the team

At Essex County Council, transformation isn't just a word it's what we do.

Essex County Council has a strong track record of delivering complex, innovative transformation, with over £48m in savings achieved since 2021 and further ambitions to deliver £20m more by 2027/28. Our nationally recognised Transformation Team plays a vital role in driving meaningful change across services that impact over 1.8 million residents.

About the role

As a Project Management Apprentice, you'll be part of a nationally respected team driving meaningful change across Essex. You'll gain hands-on experience supporting a wide range of projects that improve the lives of over 1.8 million residents from enhancing digital services and transforming education and adult social care, to improving highways, waste, and resident experience.

What you'll gain

• Real project experience across a diverse portfolio, no two days are the same
• Structured training and development, with clear career pathways
• Support from a strong and welcoming project management community
• Exposure to innovative ways of working and modern delivery approaches
• Opportunities to build skills, grow your confidence, and shape your career

Why join us?

• ECC is a forward-thinking organisation committed to investing in its people. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build your foundation in project management, we'll support you every step of the way. You'll be part of a professional community that values collaboration, continuous learning, and personal growth.
• Most importantly, the work you contribute to will have a lasting, visible impact helping to shape the future of public services and improve everyday lives across Essex.

At Essex County Council, we believe in helping our workforce grow and succeed. That's why, as part of this role, you'll have the opportunity to complete a level 4 apprenticeship. This is a fantastic chance to gain valuable skills, earn a recognised qualification, and set yourself up for a successful future career.

This is a great opportunity to build practical skills, gain a recognised qualification, and start a career that make a real difference to people's lives.

To read more about our business area, please visit Corporate Services

Key accountabilities

• Assist in coordinating day-to-day project activities and processes.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of project documentation (plans, reports, risk logs, etc.).
• Help monitor progress against project milestones and escalate issues where necessary.
• Contribute to stakeholder communications and engagement activities.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, capturing actions and maintaining records.
• Learn and apply project management methodologies under supervision.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• An interest in Project Management with a desire to develop knowledge and skills
• Strong organisational skills with a keen eye for detail
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal
• Able to work closely with others and play an active part in the team
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• English Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent)
• Evidence of Level 3 study (A Levels, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, T Level, Apprenticeship, etc) or equivalent work experience demonstrating skills that are broadly equivalent

Interview Process

Our interview process is designed to be engaging, fast-paced, and give you the chance to really stand out.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre in Chelmsford on Friday 17th July, where you'll bring your skills to life and meet the team. From there, the top performers will be invited to a final MS Teams interview to explore your potential in more detail, with a decision made shortly afterwards.

The indicative recruitment timeline is:

• 6th July 2026: Applications close
• 17th July 2026: In Person Assessment Centre (County Hall, Chelmsford)
• w/c 20th July 2026: Final Interview (MS Teams) and offer made to successful candidate
• 3rd August 2026: Registration with ARU
• 1st September 2026: Estimated start date

Key Information

As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live, work and study in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas. If you are shortlisted for an interview, our training provider will also need to assess your previous learning records and check your completed qualification to ensure eligibility for the apprenticeship. Unfortunately, you cannot have previously completed a qualification that is at the same level or above in field that is related to this discipline.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Further details can be found on our careers page.

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