THE first group of project managers employed by BAE Systems Submarines to gain Chartered status from the Association for Project Management (APM) are celebrating their success.

The group of nine have spent time undergoing a gruelling assessment which examines technical knowledge and professional practice.

The prestigious qualification means they have now gained a professional qualification recognised widely across industry.

Among those to qualify is Barrow-based Head of Project Controls Lisa Penfold: "For me, applying for Chartership was an opportunity to validate my years of practice and confirm that I was operating at an industry recognised standard. It did take time to prepare a written submission so you can clearly articulate your professional experience and technical knowledge of project management."

She added: "Completing my Chartership application required me to reflect on the practical experience I'd gained over my career and it was surprising when I gathered it all together what a range of skills I'd accumulated.

"I've been fortunate in the roles I've undertaken within BAE Systems in that they've all involved complex project situations; it's this type of practical experience that the APM are seeking in their

Chartered Project Professionals.

Finding out that I'd been successful in gaining Chartership was a fantastic feeling and gave a real boost to my confidence."