Assistant Cost Consultant Review

My job title is Assistant Cost Consultant, my role is varied as I simply help whoever needs me at the time. This means one day I can be measuring using computer software but the next I can be walking around site looking at the work that has been completed. I attend university once a week and training sessions run by the company internally happen around once a month. On a daily basis, I will normally interact with my team and employees of the other companies working on the project. I see the other apprentices a lot and important people within the company (such as board members) at least once a month for events and meetings. Occasionally, especially around public holidays, there can be quiet days. However, this doesn't happen often.

The whole point of applying for the apprenticeship was to learn new things. My knowledge about the construction industry and specific modules such as Construction Technology and Law has increased greatly since joining the programme. University teaches me academically in lectures. I am part of a monthly work shop with only a few other apprentices which gives me the opportunity to have one to one conversations with senior professionals within my company about academic topics and also anything else I may have any questions about or concerns. The company arranges training both internally and externally to help those of us office based get out on site and get some hands on learning in context of the topic. I have developed my people skills as networking is an important part of the job. My computer skills have developed, especially in the use of Excel, and there are several programmes which I can now use confidently which I had never even heard of before such as AutoCAD and Revit. I am not yet a year through my course so I have a lot to learn and it will be another 4 years before I gain my degree.

I am really enjoying the programme that I'm on. I have met some great people who have become friends and my team welcomed me as soon as I walked through the door. I have been assigned a buddy and a mentor who I can go to for advice on anything and frequently have a catch up conversation with me to see how I'm getting along. Company events allow me to mix with important clients and other colleagues within the company who I may not get the chance to see daily. The learning has been structured and I get plenty of support.

My line manager will always tell me when I'm doing well, in the form of verbal praise and written when doing things such as appraisals. I received praise from people other than my line manager too, such as the colleague who runs the monthly work shops. The work I help with can sometimes be simple, but it is always important and vital for the project. The more I learn, the more responsibility I am given. Mace have invested a lot of time and money in me, and I feel that they wouldn't do that if I wasn't valued as an essential member of the team.

Our Induction was held on our first day before meeting our line managers and team members. We were assigned a buddy who we could meet with and once we were settled we were assigned mentors. Our training is organised by HR and electronic calendar invitations are sent out. Our training is also all listed on our information page. Regular meetings are set up to track our progress. At the very beginning of the programme some things were unclear and it took a few months to receive our portfolios as this was the first year they ran the programme for Quantity Surveyors, however the structure of the programme has improved greatly over a few months.

Our training provider in this case would be South Bank University, who have helped us throughout the course. Their communication is sometimes lacking and it can be quite difficult to get hold of a lecturer outside of lecture times. However the administrators of the modules are always happy to answer questions and reply fairly quickly.

I have always received a high level of support from everyone at Mace. My line manager is always happy to answer my queries, the rest of my team are also. HR have been supportive from the start with regular contact, not just checking on how we are getting on academically but also how we are coping generally. Board members have been very hands on with the whole programme and have arranged several meetings to check on our progress so far. There is always someone to talk to about anything.

Although I can't splash out on expensive holidays or shopping sprees I get by comfortably on my salary. The company pays expenses for temporary work places and training etc so I will always get that back. I can comfortably afford my rent and food shopping and still have a bit left over for a few social events a month. From what I've seen, I earn just above the average apprentice wage, and there is the opportunity for a pay rise each year based on performance. To help us along Mace offer benefits such as the cycle to work scheme and ticket loans. Gym membership discounts are also available as well as discounts on many high street brands.

Mace is always hosting some kind of event and encouraging continuing development seminars and opportunities. I get one day a year paid to volunteer at a charity, I can choose my own or look on our information page for suggestions. Mace has its own sports teams which I can get involved in, if I want to set one up all I have to do is find people who would like to join the team and distribute and e-mail. There is 'breakfast with the board' which offers the chance to talk to board members, often outside of the office. Social events are often organised.

Yes

Mace look after their employees and want you to do the best you possibly can. They will pay for any training you may need as long as you can justify why. They encourage excellence and are caring and considerate. I have had more fun here than any other job, but this also isn't just a job, this is my career.

When applying for Mace, you must be certain that you will be willing to put in the effort required to do the job alongside your training. Mace are understanding and are always there to offer support, but at the end of the day they are paying for you to achieve a qualification and there is a lot of information to take onboard. The application process itself can be intimidating if you're not used to phone interviews or assessment centers, however they can often be better than a one-to-one interview as it gives you a chance to show off your team work skills. Don't be afraid to get stuck in, if you don't get the job, you probably won't ever see these people again, if you do, you'll be working very closely with them as a team, so it gives you a head start.