The APM Simulation session was delivered as an intensive one‑day event, spanning approximately eight hours, and provided an excellent opportunity to apply a wide range of project management skills within a fast‑paced, simulated environment. The focus was a construction project, delivered through interactive, scenario‑based, Prendo software that tested both technical knowledge and professional judgement under time pressure. One of the most valuable aspects of the session was its ability to compress a complex project into a sped‑up format that still retained realism. The simulation made teams consider competing priorities, make informed decisions with incomplete information, and respond to emerging risks and differing stakeholder demands.

From a learning perspective, the simulation was extremely effective in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Concepts that are often taught in isolation such as risk management, procurement strategies and financial control, became far more tangible when applied through the simulation. The software provided feedback and performance metrics across key areas such as: stakeholder satisfaction, contract management, financial performance, schedule adherence, and communications. The feedback and metrics added a strong sense of accountability to each decision made whilst also reinforced the idea that project success is multi‑dimensional and cannot be measured solely by time or cost alone.

As a Project Management Degree Apprentice, and a student, this was a particularly beneficial experience. The session allowed our team to test academic learning in a practical context and better understand how project management principles are applied in complex, pressured situations. It also helped build confidence in making decisions and justifying them based on available data, stakeholder priorities, and project objectives. Alongside this, the event posed a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from other participating teams and learn about their experiences in project management. Teamwork and communication was key throughout the day, requiring clear communication and alignment on priorities within the team. Stakeholder satisfaction, in particular, proved to be a key driver of overall performance helped us score highly overall, but also enabled us to understand the needs and requirements from each of the stakeholders.

As a team, we can certainly see the real benefit these simulations provide through immersive and experiential learning. The use of a realistic construction project, combined with interactive software and performance measures, created an engaging environment that encouraged learning through practice. It allowed the use of practical and theoretical knowledge in a safe but challenging setting. The day reinforced the value of practical simulation as a development tool and highlighted the importance of well‑rounded project management capability. Overall, it was a very enjoyable, challenging, and highly rewarding experience and we are pleased to have represented BAE and achieved the highest score amongst the competing teams. These events strongly support the continued development of aspiring project professionals and we highly recommend if you are an aspiring project manager, apprentice or student, to get involved and enhance your skills through these simulations 

Here is a link to the next event:

Designing Futures: Empowering the next generation of project professionals