Commercial Assistant (Consultancy) Review

The Mace Apprenticeship scheme involves a rotation every 9 months for the first 3 years, so the role will vary somewhat depending on where you are placed, although these roles are all within Quantity Surveying. I am currently a Commercial Assistant in Consultancy, and my role involves validating and assessing cost plans, assisting with cost reporting, performing benchmarking exercises, as well as adhoc cost related tasks. In my first role at Mace I was able to take on significant responsibilities, and was responsible for leading the cost side on the fit out projects I worked on.

In my time at mace I have learnt new skills, and significantly developed existing ones. I learnt most of this in my first placement, where I learnt the fundamentals of measurement, cost planning, cost reporting and managing the commercial side of projects. My ICT and software skills have greatly improved. I have also learnt a lot about various aspects of construction through in house Mace training sessions.

I Enjoy working in construction. The programme has given me opportunities unique to Mace, which is to try both construction and consultancy, which is excellent experience. I reasonably enjoy the programme, although Rotation can make it difficult to feel settled in a team. However, on the whole I have really enjoyed the programme and the opportunities afforded me so far.

I have felt valued by the Line managers I have had while at Mace Group. I have been commended by other consultants and companies I have worked with, with the majority expressing surprise that I am an apprentice. I won the 2017 QS Apprentice of the Year award, and have been given leading roles on the projects I have been involved with.

The programme has been well structured so far. The induction and training has been well coordinated, and has been very useful for development. The mentor system is also useful, as it is good to have a senior colleague in the business to talk to, who isn't your line manager. The task delegation within teams could be better, as well as the role that an apprentice plays more defined.

The tutors at university are generally very good, and are always available after lectures, as well as by email to answer any further questions. I have personally found the tutors / lecturers to be very supportive and professional in demeanor. They are also usually willing to answer questions that may have arisen in the workplace, and explain things not understood. I have personally really enjoyed the time at university, and have found some of the units to be extremely useful in my job role at Macegroup.

I receive a good amount of support from my employer. My line manager is generally there to answer questions, and she or other employees are available to help. Sometimes it does feel like HR do not factor in requests, or actually listen to suggestions on the scheme, and make significant decisions without involving apprentices in the discussion. On the whole however the staff at Mace have a good attitude toward supporting you

The salary paid by Mace is not sufficient to meet my costs and general expenses. It is impossible to be able to pay rent, pay for travel, lunches, and socializing on the paltry wage paid by Mace to their apprentices. The fact that most have to travel into central London where the cost of living / eating etc. is very high, and most are paying in excess of £300/month on travel should be factored into the wage package, or at least having travel paid as standard. In addition, most job roles involve working overtime on a fairly regular basis, but at no extra benefit, as overtime is not paid.

There are opportunities outside work for those who wish to be involved in them. Mace regularly put on social events such as the quarterly drinks, and within individual teams, more events are put on. Mace have a volunteering scheme and a charitable foundation which you are encouraged to be involved with, and this can be very rewarding. Mace are also involved in teaching construction classes for kids, and trying to get school kids interested in construction, this is possible to be involved in.

Yes

Mace offer a unique experience where you can experience all the different parts of construction in an early point in your career. This means that you can get a range of experience, and be able to actually try the different disciplines in Quantity surveying before specializing. Mace also offers you a chance to be involved with some very high profile projects that are revolutionizing the construction industry.

I would give the advice to first of all make sure you are on time, and well presented. Do your homework on the job role and make sure you know what it is, and why you suit it. Be as passionate as you can. The apprenticeship at Mace in Quantity Surveying is ideal for those who wish to try both consultancy and Construction, however if you already know which one you want to specialize in, this apprenticeship may not be for you, as you will find the rotations very frustrating, as it is difficult to gain traction in one specific area. In this case you would be better off going to a company that offers just one job role.