Project Controls Assistant Review
at Mace Consult
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis, Management Consulting, Project Management
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
As a Project Controls Assistant within an Integrated Project Management Office (IPMO), my role supports the effective planning, monitoring, and governance of projects and programmes across the portfolio. I am responsible for transforming project data into meaningful information to support decision-making, performance reporting, and delivery assurance. This involves coordinating inputs from multiple workstreams, maintaining central project controls tools, and ensuring consistency, accuracy, and transparency in reporting.
The role acts as a key interface between project teams, regional leads, and senior stakeholders, supporting the control environment through structured reporting, action tracking, and deliverable management.
• Planning & Milestone Coordination
• Deliverables Tracking & Management/Maintenance
• Reporting Drumbeat Coordination
• Dashboard & Report Production
• Data Collection & Validation
• Project Controls Data Quality Assurance
• Governance Support
• Meeting Support & Minute Taking
• Stakeholder Coordination & Follow‑ups
• Schedule & Progress Monitoring
• Risk & Issue Log Support
• Data Standardisation & Tool Compliance
• Lessons Learned Capture
Continuous Improvement & Process Enhancement
The role acts as a key interface between project teams, regional leads, and senior stakeholders, supporting the control environment through structured reporting, action tracking, and deliverable management.
• Planning & Milestone Coordination
• Deliverables Tracking & Management/Maintenance
• Reporting Drumbeat Coordination
• Dashboard & Report Production
• Data Collection & Validation
• Project Controls Data Quality Assurance
• Governance Support
• Meeting Support & Minute Taking
• Stakeholder Coordination & Follow‑ups
• Schedule & Progress Monitoring
• Risk & Issue Log Support
• Data Standardisation & Tool Compliance
• Lessons Learned Capture
Continuous Improvement & Process Enhancement
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Overall, I have enjoyed the programme, as it has provided me with meaningful, hands-on experience and allowed me to develop a strong understanding of project controls in a real project environment. I have learned a great deal, both technically and professionally, and have gained confidence in applying these skills in practice. However, there have been challenges, particularly in balancing university commitments alongside project responsibilities. At times this has felt overwhelming, especially during peak periods, but it has also helped me develop resilience, time management, and prioritisation skills. Ultimately, I am glad to have joined this programme, as I would not have developed the same level of people skills or real-world professional experience through gaining a BSc alone.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed both new skills and strengthened existing ones throughout the programme. I have significantly improved my technical project controls skills, including planning, milestone management, reporting, data validation, and the use of project controls tools and dashboards. I have also developed stronger analytical skills through interpreting data and translating it into meaningful information for stakeholders. In addition, my communication and stakeholder management skills have advanced, particularly when coordinating with multiple workstreams and engaging with senior stakeholders. Time management, prioritisation, and resilience have also been strengthened as a result of balancing university studies alongside live project responsibilities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The apprenticeship programme at Mace Consult is generally well organised and structured, particularly in terms of the support available in the workplace and the exposure to live projects. There is a clear framework for development, with defined responsibilities, governance processes, and access to experienced professionals who provide guidance and oversight. The integration of real project work has been especially beneficial in reinforcing learning and developing practical skills.
That said, there have been periods where balancing university requirements alongside project demands has been challenging, particularly during peak workloads. While this is to some extent expected in a work‑based learning programme, clearer alignment and forward planning between academic deadlines and project pressures could further strengthen the overall experience. Despite these challenges, the programme provides a strong structure for professional development and offers valuable real‑world experience.
That said, there have been periods where balancing university requirements alongside project demands has been challenging, particularly during peak workloads. While this is to some extent expected in a work‑based learning programme, clearer alignment and forward planning between academic deadlines and project pressures could further strengthen the overall experience. Despite these challenges, the programme provides a strong structure for professional development and offers valuable real‑world experience.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
You have different strands of support such as line management, team embers and also the emerging talent team who's sole purpose is coordinating and guiding apprentices at Mace. There will always be someone to offer you support at Mace Consult.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
There is lots of support given including quarterly in depth reviews to coordinate studies/training with line management.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has supported my performance in my role to a good extent, particularly by providing a strong theoretical foundation that complements my practical experience at Mace Consult. The academic content has helped me understand the principles underpinning project controls, such as planning, scheduling, governance, risk management, and performance reporting, which has improved my ability to apply these concepts confidently within live projects.
Studying the theory alongside my role has enabled me to better understand why certain processes, controls, and governance practices are used, rather than just how to carry them out. This has strengthened my decision‑making, analytical thinking, and ability to contribute more effectively to discussions with project teams and stakeholders.
The support from the training provider, including guidance, structured learning materials, and feedback, has also been valuable in reinforcing learning and supporting academic progression. While balancing academic demands with project responsibilities can be challenging at times, the qualification has overall enhanced my capability in the role by linking theory to real‑world application and supporting my professional development.
Studying the theory alongside my role has enabled me to better understand why certain processes, controls, and governance practices are used, rather than just how to carry them out. This has strengthened my decision‑making, analytical thinking, and ability to contribute more effectively to discussions with project teams and stakeholders.
The support from the training provider, including guidance, structured learning materials, and feedback, has also been valuable in reinforcing learning and supporting academic progression. While balancing academic demands with project responsibilities can be challenging at times, the qualification has overall enhanced my capability in the role by linking theory to real‑world application and supporting my professional development.
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
There are different societies you can join at mace e.g. Women at Mace, Parents as Mace etc. There are also several events that are organised by emerging talent for apprentices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mace Consult to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Mace Consult to a friend because it offers strong exposure to real, live projects alongside a supportive and professional working environment. The programme provides meaningful hands-on experience rather than purely observational learning, which allows individuals to develop practical skills and confidence early in their careers.
Mace Consult also promotes a collaborative culture, with access to experienced professionals who are willing to provide guidance, support, and mentoring. This creates a positive learning environment where development is encouraged and contributions are valued. In addition, the organisation places a strong emphasis on professional growth, governance, and best practice, which supports both technical development and wider people skills. Overall, Mace Consult provides a valuable balance between learning, responsibility, and real-world experience, making it a strong place to develop professionally.
Mace Consult also promotes a collaborative culture, with access to experienced professionals who are willing to provide guidance, support, and mentoring. This creates a positive learning environment where development is encouraged and contributions are valued. In addition, the organisation places a strong emphasis on professional growth, governance, and best practice, which supports both technical development and wider people skills. Overall, Mace Consult provides a valuable balance between learning, responsibility, and real-world experience, making it a strong place to develop professionally.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mace Consult?
I would advise others applying to Mace Consult to be open, proactive, and genuinely interested in learning. Mace values people who are willing to take responsibility, ask questions, and engage with live projects rather than waiting to be directed. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, good communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate across teams is important.
It is also helpful to be prepared for balancing multiple commitments, particularly if applying through an apprenticeship route, as managing university work alongside project responsibilities requires good time management and organisation. Finally, showing curiosity about the industry and an interest in professional development will help applicants make the most of the opportunities available at Mace Consult.
It is also helpful to be prepared for balancing multiple commitments, particularly if applying through an apprenticeship route, as managing university work alongside project responsibilities requires good time management and organisation. Finally, showing curiosity about the industry and an interest in professional development will help applicants make the most of the opportunities available at Mace Consult.
