Apprentice Commercial Manager Review
at Mace
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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
My role involves assisting my colleagues with the cost management of the project I am currently working on. I have had wide-reaching exposure to change management, warranties / and insurances, commercial or cost reporting, tracking cost movement as well as contributing to various other reporting elements on a monthly basis. In conjunction to my duties at work, I also attend university 1 day a week.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy the programme offered at Mace. I find that the blended learning approach between workplace experience, university study and an internal training regimen is the right one as it allows not only various opportunities to learn and develop my skills, but also a chance to network with my peers and colleagues.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes - the skills i have developed whilst undertaking my apprenticeship have evolved over the last two years, despite remaining at the same project throughout. I have developed existing skills for example relating to the Microsoft suite of products, whilst also gaining exposure to the technicalities of the construction industry, and common practices for cost management.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme offered is quite well structured. I feel that Mace are excellent at having an open dialogue with Training Providers, as well as apprentice Line Managers. This ensures that all areas are touched on across the training programme. We receive a timetable each year outlining our schedule for the year.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer provides a great deal of support to apprentices, with the HR team regularly speaking to Line Managers and Apprentices, with bi-yearly reviews to discuss progress and any assistance needed. There are various layers of support at Mace, which is easily found and accessible. Most colleagues have been considerate when supporting apprentices and are more than willing to donate knowledge.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support received from the training provider is available to all students through the usual channels (course directors etc). The training provider have been prompt at responding to emails outlining concern as well as being available via Teams etc to discuss. Despite this, I have not yet met my personal tutor.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification aids in my daily role, with models such as construction technology and materials having an influence on my technical knowledge in the industry. I would prefer that my qualification had a larger emphasis on cost management, measurement and cost planning in the first instance rather than focusing mainly on theory.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes. At Mace there are many different 'networks' such as Pride at Mace, Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion Network (EDIN) and others which are available to employees to get involved with. Pre-covid there were quarterly social events at the HQ, as well as local, project based activities which are occasionally arranged.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Mace Group to a friend for many reasons:
1. Effort and determination are recognized not only in compensation but also by directors and the talent team.
2. Large scale projects to be proud of such as the London Eye, The Shard among others.
3. Fantastic Emerging Talent Team who are happy to address any concerns and have created a winning formula for apprentice training.
1. Effort and determination are recognized not only in compensation but also by directors and the talent team.
2. Large scale projects to be proud of such as the London Eye, The Shard among others.
3. Fantastic Emerging Talent Team who are happy to address any concerns and have created a winning formula for apprentice training.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mace?
- Be confident within your interview process, especially when undertaking phone interviews.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Do your research on the company, core values, 2026 purpose etc.
- Try to appear relaxed and approachable throughout.
- Enjoy the application process
- Look to make good friends with apprentices at your interview and also if successful at your induction - they will be your colleagues for life!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Do your research on the company, core values, 2026 purpose etc.
- Try to appear relaxed and approachable throughout.
- Enjoy the application process
- Look to make good friends with apprentices at your interview and also if successful at your induction - they will be your colleagues for life!
