Commercial Apprentice Review
at Mace
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction
London
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an apprentice Commercial Manager I work as part of a commercial team on one of London's biggest construction projects. I have been thoroughly involved in the project since joining, being awarded my own packages to manage within the first few months, as well as having 1-on-1 time learning about what senior members of staff do day to day.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I think all jobs have good days and bad days, but in reality, the programme is exactly as I had hoped but I get even more involved in the day to day work. I didn't realise how much responsibility I would be given so quickly, but that arguably makes any work I do more rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Loads. This being my first 'proper' job in the construction industry has meant almost everything I have been exposed to is new. All of my construction knowledge comes from either being on-site or university. As well as this more specific knowledge, the Mace apprenticeship programme does focus on soft skills that can be used in a variety of roles across industries through their training programme.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The internal training aspect is very well organised and frequent with about half a day of sessions fortnightly. The external training provider (university) has definitely shown some teething issues, especially with the whole of my education thus far being online, but I hope these issues will be solved eventually. The portfolio part of the programme which helps in gaining RICS chartership (another internal initiative) is also extremely well structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As much as required. In all honesty I haven't had to request much help from the apprenticeship team since my site team are so supportive but whenever I contact anyone on the apprenticeship team they always pick up the phone and are there to help every step of the way.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Very minimal. As mentioned I am unsure whether this is due to the university being online at the moment and the obvious communication issues that come with that but the response to emails has been quite poor from most members of staff, have only had one review meeting which I didn't get much out of. It's a situation where I haven't required extensive assistance, but I don't believe I would have received it had I reached out, based on my peers' experiences.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
At the moment, the benefit is relatively minimal. My day-to-day work is very much associated with Mechanical, Electrical, and Public health whereas my course is very construction focused, but my peers (the majority) who are pure construction say they have found it relatively helpful, so perhaps I am an anomaly.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There have been a number of (virtual) networking events set up, and I have been assured in non-Covid times there are a wide range of activities and events set up both through work and our external training provider. I have attended some of the virtual sessions and they have been enjoyable.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
All the reasons mentioned above! They have wonderful support, you get to work on some of the most interesting projects in the country, based in a great location, the quality of the staff you get to work with and learn from is great. I have very little to compare it to, but it seems great!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mace?
Learn about the company, understand what kind of projects they undertake, what their values and origins are, and anything you can really. Also, learn as much about your role as possible before applying to it, there is a massive range of opportunities within Mace so you are spoiled for choice but make sure you pick the right one for you!
