Apprentice Review
at Mace
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemical Engineering
Macclesfield
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
- Meeting with the client and other contractors to discuss the schedule for a given project, checking up on works to be completed in the short term, determining the scope and what resource needs to be allocated
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the freedom to be intellectually curious and the variety of problems that need to be solved on a large scale pharma project. I also enjoy the interaction between various contractors all working towards a common goal. Zoladex and drug manufacturing processes were also a highlight.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Plenty, software skills, scheduling tools, time management, university level mathematics and chemistry for chemical engineering, process and process flow, instrumentation, P&ID diagrams, Project lifecycle, Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Biologics, FAT, SAT, IQ and OQ stages of a pharma project, test writing for pharma projects, HMI interfaces, EMS system (front end), Excel and tracking snag items on a project
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It is well structured in that all of my work correlates to my WBL tracker and also with IChemE. I have spent almost two years collating solid evidence and related work for my End Point Assessment. This is beneficial as I never feel like a moment is wasted while on site. Mace also understand this and tailor your work to what will be important and allow you to gain real knowledge and understanding early on.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Plenty, I have two Mace contacts who I communicate with regularly on-site. They give me time to explain what I'm up to or if I have any questions regarding my current work schedule. I have been situated on a large client site for over a year and a half but have worked on these various projects in that timeframe.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
As above, the training provider works to the IChemE standard which ensures I capture all the right competencies while working on-site. I have a meeting with my provider once every three months and my line manager receives updates on my performance and engagement every month.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Specifically in my second year, my course has provided me with a better understanding of P&ID diagrams, project safety, project management and scheduling. Furthermore, the theory and mathematics has aided my understanding of what's happening with the product at each stage, what chemical processes are occurring.
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 there are plenty, the Manchester office has events and socials on all the time. Also, there are conferences and apprenticeship sessions that are a regular occurrence which can lead to further networking
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a dynamic company with lots of different projects. I would recommend Construction more generally but Mace do it better and they do it friendlier than most. I also think the style of learning and mentorship at Mace is the right balance allowing the apprentice to think for themselves
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mace?
Be bold and uncompromising in showing your passions and interests. Creativity and personal studying and inquiry are rewarded so show that you are capable and ready to do these things. Be sociable and engaging with others too as Mace feels very familial.
