The APM Scottish conference speakers represented some of the UK’s most complex and high profile projects. As project complexity grows so the project management profession needs to grow its body of PMs equipped to take on the exciting challenges of the future.

One of the key questions of the conference was how do we give those starting out in project management the confidence and resilience to tackle some of the most complex projects of today? According to Andy Macintosh Andy Macintosh, Project Management & Business Improvement Director for BAE Systems Naval Ships the average age of a NASA team is just 26.
“Young PMs can do great things through process, guidance and mentoring to grow their energy, drive and confidence,” said Neil Fraser, Engineering Development Manager at Diageo International Supply Centre about the challenges of project managing and developing new teams in challenging environments as he switched from developing whisky to tequila.

Developing confidence to project manage was a strong theme of the day. If we are to succeed in the projects of tomorrow, there is a real need to give emerging project managers the confidence needed to take control. Part of this involves working with a diverse range of teams and addressing the complex project needs of the today.

“It is easy to get lost in … complex projects if you don’t have very good management information in place and professional skills for interpreting that information.” One slide quoted from Sir Amyas Morse, National Audit Office by Michael Moore. “Much like chartered accountants, we need the conviction to take control, say ‘no’ sometimes,” said Andy Macintosh.
The Scottish conference made it very clear that the demand for project professionals is growing and if we are to meet that demand we will need to build and grow opportunities to learn and develop. With the right skills and the right training project managers of the future will be tested against some of the most complex projects ever seen.

Addressing the complex project demands of the future core to the next APM Project Management Conference on Wednesday 25 April at Central Hall Westminster. Book now.