Commercial Assistant Review

by Mace

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Commercial Assistant - Assisting on commercial (monetary & legal/contractual) aspects of a construction project, some aspects of package commercial management

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt everything from scratch - coming from school with no construction experience, to running multiple packages from a commercial aspect individually.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Overall it is rather enjoyable however it feels like more of a job than an apprenticeship programme as there are no rotations etc for you to gain more exposure. Rotations would definitely make the programme more enjoyable, especially for those who may still be unsure about the area they wish to work in.

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The 1st year is better structured as there are monthly CDP sessions which can be used as off-the-job learning, however this seems to taper off in frequency as you progress through. There is not really "structure" as such in terms of the programme, you are assigned a team and essentially just work under your line manager for the duration, there are no rotations/placements.

7/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Moderate amounts of support. This is really just team dependent, as mentioned previously once you begin you are more of just a working professional and only have contact with HR/ Emerging Talent if you reach out.

5/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Little support. University doesn't make any accommodations for your working life. My university day was a Monday, but I was assigned a test to sit in a specified 1.5hr window on Tuesday, despite this being my working day.

3/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Limited relevance. Course is combined for construction professionals so not very job specific, although good for building knowledge foundations.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes, there are networks (Women, Pride etc.) You can also organise initiatives within your team/project

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Mace to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Overall a good apprenticeship programme. Fully funded, gain lots of experience, large enough company that you will find a department that you enjoy.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mace?

Read up on the values! They are genuinely a big deal at Mace and we always link everything we do back to these.