Where you're from: Liverpool
What Uni you studied at: Liverpool John Moores University
What degree you studied: Building Surveying (Sandwich Year)

I studied at LJMU for 4 years including a sandwich year where I worked as an undergraduate Assistant Building Surveyor and was fortunate enough to have my contract extended within the practice until after I had completed my studies. Whilst completing my degree I came across the advertisement for opportunities within GMPTE as a graduate trainee Assistant Project Manager. Following an application form, assessment centre and interview process, I was consequently offered a position here.

Joining an organisation such as GMPTE, I imagine can be a very daunting experience, however, not in this case. Support is offered to you throughout the whole selection process and from line management to mentors you have the lot to ensure that you can make the most of your experience gained throughout the structured 2 year programme.

From a broader perspective, my colleagues here are very friendly, and again offer the opportunity to draw on their knowledge and experience if and when you should require it along the way. The structured programme is definitely an eye opener. GMPTE as an organisation is also going through some exciting times and with an ever improving working environment you can be sure that, like many of the employees here, it’s a place you will want to work for many years to come.

Manchester is a vibrant city with a lot to offer the young professional. Inner city living is available in abundance. The main offices of GMPTE are located a stones throw from Piccadilly Station and couldn't be any more convenient, for me at least, if I tried. There are a variety of cultures here, making after work drinks and socialising very appealing.

Where you're from: Altrincham, Manchester
What Uni you studied at: Nottingham
What degree you studied: Geography Business and The Environment

After leaving University in 2008 I worked for a year as a consultant in project management within Utilities before applying to GMPTE and was one of the lucky five who started in September ’09.

Joining GMPTE was a big step for me as I found myself moving from a small private sector company to suddenly being exposed to a large public organisation. I suppose it was an exciting time for me and a few months down the line, I am not disappointed I made the move. In my view, GMPTE is an organisation which is moving forward, wanting to be the best and has a lot to offer. It invests in its employees and the community spirit in each department is great for settling into your role. The position was sold as a placement and development programme, which defines it precisely.

Working in Manchester is also a real bonus, not only because its my ‘home’ city which offers more or less everything you want, including Krispy Kreme, but there’s a busy buzz in the ever changing contemporary city that makes you feel welcome.

Where I’m from: Birmingham
Where I studied: Leeds
What degree I studied: Sports Science and latterly Business Information Systems

Not knowing what to do with myself I travelled for a while then fell into working in IT recruitment and worked in this field for 6 years. Whilst I learnt a lot I was ready to progress my personal development. When I came across the graduate scheme at GMPTE I felt it was exactly the type of challenge I was looking for and haven't looked back since!

I have found GMPTE to be a really friendly place, excellent new building with great facilities and location. There are lots of different projects to get involved in and you get to see how every part of the organisation works and learn more about the political side of the public sector which is completely new to me. There are lots of qualified and experienced people that are happy to share their knowledge with you, plus there is opportunity to gain some industry recognised qualifications as well as career development. It’s a great place to work and is getting better and better with the changes that are in progress. It is and will continue to be an exciting place to work.

Working in Manchester is brilliant I know a lot of people that have relocated here from various other University cities and it has the feel of a youthful vibrant city. The Office is literally outside Piccadilly train station so it’s easy to get to work no matter where you come in from. There are some cool boutique style retail shops, bars and pubs which are great for the odd after work drink or payday clothes shopping.

Where I’m from: Liverpool
Where I studied: Oxford
What degree I studied: Earth Sciences (Geology with a posh name)

I applied when I saw the advert for a graduate scheme, in project management, in transport, in the North West, which ticked all the boxes of what I wanted to do after university. Researching GMPTE before completing the application form made me want to work for the organisation even more, and when I was invited to the assessment centre I was made up. The assessment centre itself was far more relaxed and friendly than I was expecting, and throughout the application process I felt that I was wanted by GMPTE, something which is very rare when applying for graduate scheme roles.

Since starting I've had a great time, meeting loads of new people, going out on social events and going for all you can eat Thai food! The opportunity to get out of the office and onto site was a massive draw for me and something which hasn't disappointed. There's so much going on in GMPTE at the moment that you're bound to find something that interests you, and the scheme is set out in a way that allows you to experience everything. It's obvious how much work and preparation has gone into the graduate scheme, so you shouldn’t find yourself stuck for things to do.

In short, the role is a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience and develop into a qualified project manager, while working for an organisation that is really evolving and going places.

Where I’m from: Southport
Where I studied: Manchester Metropolitan
What degree I studied: Business

After graduating from MMU in 2007 with a Business degree, like a lot of graduates I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do. A friend told me about a project management graduate scheme here at GMPTE which immediately caught my attention.

When I started on the programme I was instantly impressed with the commitment to both my personal and career development. It’s a graduate scheme, you’re here to learn and that’s exactly what happens but you also have the opportunity to spend time in different areas of the organisation and have responsibility from the start by getting to work on “live” projects where your contributions actually make a difference.

It’s an exciting time to be working here and I’ve found willingness for new ideas, investment in its staff, which is why so far I’ve found it a great place to spend my graduate placement.

For anyone who doesn’t already know it, Manchester is a fantastic city to live and work in. I came here for University and haven’t wanted to leave yet as it’s got everything you could want.