Emma Dunford

"I am an apprentice working towards completing a BSc in Project Management.I am the Campaigner, Trainer and Developer types which I feel matches well with my job because I like to persuade people and work with them to achieve the best outcome. I am practical and can make solutions to problems, and I find that sharing best practice is crucial for project performance. "

"As a Project Management Apprentice, I help ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to a high quality. I work on defence technology, protecting people and national security. My role aims to minimise risk and maximise opportunity for each project, making sure that stakeholders are satisfied with the delivery of the project and the end product. I coordinate with people of all sorts of skill sets to check information on project progress and attend meetings to resolve risks and issues. I really like knowing that my work, whilst unseen, contributes to making sure that the defence equipment my company is producing is worth the investment."

"I always knew that I wanted to be an engineer like my Dad, but one of my teachers discouraged girls from taking Physics or becoming engineers. I wanted to prove my teacher wrong so I studied Physics at college and then chose my apprenticeship so that I could stay close to engineering and have a business and management perspective. My starting salary was about £18,000.I believe that you should ignore anyone who tells you that your chosen job is not appropriate for you. Focus on where you want to be and develop a strong and resilient mindset."

"I like reading, running and attending the gym in my spare time. I also likes playing and composing music and I really loves baking, to the extent that I'm frequently referred to as Mary Berry by my friends! In the future I would like to work towards becoming a project controller, programme manager or portfolio manager. I would like to have opportunities for managing or controlling projects and to be the \"go-to\" person when problems arise."

"There is no typical day in work for me! The nature of projects means the situation can constantly change and as a result there is never a dull day! "

"GCSEs:- Biology- Physics- Chemistry- Mathematics- Further Mathematics (AS)- English Literature- English Language- French- Geography- Music- ICTA Levels- Geography- Mathematics (Pure and Statistics)- Economics- Physics (AS)"