Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Jones

For Matthew Jones, choosing an apprenticeship with LSP offered the perfect balance between learning and hands-on experience. By combining professional development with real-world project work, Matthew was able to build a strong foundation in project management and progress into a career he is passionate about.

Why an Apprenticeship?

Matthew wanted to learn and grow in a structured but practical way:

“I was motivated to start my apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical experience while continuing to learn and develop professionally. The opportunity to work on real projects, collaborate with experienced teams, and build a foundation in project management was a key driver. I saw it as a valuable route to grow my career in a structured and supported way.”

Skills and Knowledge Gained

The apprenticeship gave him both professional qualifications and workplace experience:

“Throughout my apprenticeship, I developed a wide range of skills including stakeholder communication, project planning, risk management, and time management. I also gained hands-on experience with project tools and methodologies.”

“A major highlight was achieving the APM PMQ qualification, which gave me a strong theoretical foundation to complement my practical experience.”

Shaping a Career Path

The experience helped Matthew progress into a permanent role and set long-term goals:

“My apprenticeship gave me the confidence and capability to take on more responsibility within project teams. It provided a clear pathway for growth, allowing me to transition from learning to leading.”

“Achieving the APM PMQ qualification and gaining real-world experience helped me progress into a permanent project management role and shaped my long-term career goals.”

Achievements and Milestones

Since completing his apprenticeship, Matthew has moved into a leadership role and earned recognition for his work:

“Since completing my apprenticeship, I’ve progressed into the role of Associate Project Manager and taken on independent responsibility for managing smaller projects. This has been a significant step in my career, allowing me to apply the skills I developed during the programme in a more autonomous and accountable way.”

“Another major milestone was achieving the APM PMQ qualification, which provided a strong theoretical foundation in project management and has been instrumental in supporting my day-to-day decision-making and leadership. These achievements have helped me build confidence and credibility within my team and organisation.”

Recognition for Going Above and Beyond

Matthew’s contributions have been formally acknowledged:

“At the Early Careers Completion celebration, I was awarded the ‘Living Our Values’ award for my work as the project/bid manager. This recognition reflected my commitment to delivering high-quality work and supporting my team. I’ve also progressed to an Associate Project Manager role, which has allowed me to take on more leadership responsibilities.”

A Proud Moment

One project in particular stands out as a career highlight:

“One moment I’m particularly proud of was leading a successful bid project that involved coordinating multiple internal teams and working directly with the customer. I managed tight deadlines, negotiated requirements, and ensured all contributions were aligned to deliver a high-quality submission. The bid resulted in a positive outcome for the business, and being recognised with an award for this work made it even more rewarding.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

Matthew encourages others to be proactive and make the most of the opportunity:

“Start building your portfolio early and keep track of your progress throughout the programme. Practice for the discussion part of the assessment to build confidence. Take every opportunity to learn from others, ask questions, and get involved in different projects. The apprenticeship is a great way to grow both professionally and personally, and qualifications like the APM PMQ are a valuable part of the journey.”

From gaining industry-recognised qualifications to being trusted with independent projects, Matthew’s journey shows how an apprenticeship can open doors to exciting career opportunities in project management. His story highlights the value of combining practical experience, structured learning, and professional growth.