Quantity Surveying Apprentice Review

Quantity Surveyor Apprentice - daily tasks vary day-to-day based on project stages / client requirements. My interactions can be with various parties including the client, consultants and contractors. I am often given the responsibility to liaise with these parties, although wish I could receive more interactions with clients. My day-to-day tasks include running cost plans/estimates, assessing construction works or managing project contracts for clients.

Yes - everyday I am learning so much on a professional level and personal level. I am growing as an individual and developing my career. Additionally on a technical level I am learning lots through on the job training, college attendance and company based training. Alongside this I take part in various workshops and presentations to develop my learning.

The programme is highly enjoyable as it is pushing me to the next level. Although it is hard work, as to be expected with work and training programmes I enjoy this and see it as beneficial. The support provided is great and company culture is enjoyable. Mace make the scheme enjoyable and even arranged an end of first year celebration at the crystal maze and drinks with the company board. This programme has met my expectation in every way.

My line manager strongly appreciates my work and frequently gives me feedback. The internal recognition is good with apprentice of the year awards and appreciation of work from directors to managers. I am also given the opportunity, once I have gained others trust, to have big responsibilities on projects to gain myself experiences. If it is recognized I am not being given the right opportunities then things are done to change that.

Well organized and structured with some of the best experiences available for a school leaver / young person aspiring to join the construction industry. The training sessions are in depth and give lots of support and help network across the company. However the support, training, task delegation, team hierarchy is excellent.

Training provider does try very hard to give the best support they can wherever possible. The training provider lecturers and course administrators clearly care. The lecturers go above and beyond what I expected in terms of support and are happy to advise/help whenever asked. I enjoy the course and find the methods of assessment are beneficial and help part timers.

The employer provides an incredible amount of support. My manager regularly meets to discuss work and development. And if needed I can talk to my manager at any time about anything. I have a mentor who is always there for a second opinion and has helped me develop new skills and visit new construction sites. HR also closely monitor the experience we are getting and whether it is beneficial for our careers.

The startup salary is competitive however the salary reviews / rises are not what was expected. Considering it costs most employees within London over £200 to travel into work and London living costs are at an all time sky high I would expect more support financially to be provided. Why are our pay reviews not reflective of our performance? Even if it is a structured / fixed pay on the programme, why is there no communication? Why isn't apprentices travel paid for? Saving a young person £200+ a month is huge compared to the cost for a huge company like Mace. This would hardly have huge cost implications across the business and would significantly help employees with living costs. Social events are also expensive as this is in Central London however at quarterly drinks, an open bar is provided with food. It would be nice to see salaries increase along with London Living prices.

A multitude of opportunities outside of work. My team consistently attends company events, socials and external networking events. One event put on within my team was a pub quiz with food and drinks supplied. Also Mace gives one day of volunteering every year to volunteer for a charity. Also mace will match any money raised for charity and chooses a charity to support every year. Mace have lots of charity events and will support you if you wish to raise money for charity.

Yes

Great company who will give any young person a great opportunity.

Find a way to prove to Mace you're committed and DO want to be a Quantity Surveyor. Mace want committed apprentices who aren't going to give up half way through as it is a tough course.