Social Value Apprentice Review

As a Social Value Apprentice, I work within Mace's Responsible Business Team. My day to day involves supporting with working towards the KPI's on my project (Manchester Airport) and advocating for positive social action within communities

My Microsoft skills have developed incredibly with formatting and presentations being a key part of my role. Communication, teamwork and using your initiative are key skills in my role which I have developed and will continue to develop as my apprenticeship progresses

I really enjoy my programme as it mixes both practical experience with academic learning. With Mace, you receive one full day a week as part of your study time, in which you can complete any university work, further learning or skills courses. There are also lots of opportunities for site visits, lunch and learn sessions, and socials

The structure of my programme is brilliant with weekly catch ups with my line manager, quarterly reviews with my university skills coach and more. As an apprentice, there is a range of support available to you which includes having a buddy, a mentor, and also the emerging talent team themselves

As mentioned, there are many different forms of support at Mace. Alongside professional support, Mace also offers the chance to opt into a 24/7 health and support scheme, which is available through the Mace benefits programme. Mace also offers employees "Mace days" which are days that can be taken at any point during the year, for example as mental health days.

There is lots of support given through MMU. For example, I have an allocated Skills Coach who checks in each quarter with both my line manager and myself. There is also my cohort itself, and since we are all from a range of different careers, the support we can offer each other is amazing. The lecturers on our course are also open to receive questions/queries at any time during the term, which has proved helpful to those who are new to higher education

My course is directly relevant to my role in a number of different ways including through the Corporate Responsibility sections but also the Sustainability sections. Responsible Business at Mace is made up of Social Value, and Sustainability as an overview so its important to me that I understand both sides of the sector. My course allows me to develop all of my CRS knowledge, which allows for deeper learning and understanding

There are a number of professional networking events throughout the year, which includes socials and other events. There are also other online groups like Arts & Crafts, Yoga, sports teams and more.

Yes

Their working culture and community is inspiring, especially as an apprentice. They understand the importance of developing young talent and offer continued support and work through the whole of a persons career within Mace, not just as an Emerging Talent member. Opportunities within the business are plentiful and they seem to take care in regards to creating a skilled and knowledge workforce for each sector

When applying for roles, make sure that you are relating your application back to Mace's values and behaviours. Pursuing a sustainable world and being curious are two aspects that I hear mentioned often during meetings/in the office. They aren't looking for examples of these skills and behaviours to be just from work - they want to see a range of experiences like volunteering, daily life etc. As long as you can provide an in depth example that you can talk around if needed, that works brilliantly