Consultancy Project Management Apprenticeship Review

Currently in the first year of the scheme my role involved assisting on small parts of some of the biggest Construction projects across the UK. From attending design meetings, to updating or helping to prepare the project programme. The role I am working towards as a PM is to be able to manage the process of a construction project from design through to handover of a building.

Mace provide a variety of internal training that focus around supporting young people new to the working world. From business writing to time management I found these sessions really applicable to my day to day role. Not only this, through university and other internal Mace training we learn the technical competencies needed to be a Project Manager. These kind of skills include knowledge of the Construction and planning processes. Lastly, my role is based around communication which was already a skill of mine which I have developed further since working as Mace.

I am really enjoying my role here at Mace. Gaining exposure to some of the biggest construction projects out there the firm really have your best interests at heart with a variety of opportunities within the global firm. Not only this completing my Chartership along side my degree and gaining experience puts me years ahead of people going down the traditional route of university.

Although the job itself is very varied, the programme as a whole is very well structured and organized. I attend university once a week along working the other four days in which my time is currently split across two different projects. Over the 5 year programme Mace, and the university make it clear what is expected of you in terms of grades and also the portfolio we have to complete as apprentices to track our progress and exposure.

Mace provide a lot of support. From internal training which I mentioned earlier to general help around the office on new tasks I have found the transition from education to the workplace really easy. Everyone I have had contact with in the firm have been really supportive on all fronts from board level downwards.

University involves a lot of self learning and teaching. The university have a breadth of resources to allow us to do reinforce the learning we have done in the lectures. Support is provided if needed and the university support us on our Chartership route which involves mock interviews and exams.

The degree I am completing is in Construction Management and the modules range from construction technology which gives me a really good understanding of the build process which is really good knowledge for the role, to modules such as law and procurement which is vitally essential to the Project Manager role. All in all the qualification is very useful and I like the fact I can apply my learning directly into my role.

The social aspect at Mace is something that makes me really enjoy my role here. We have recently set up a 5-a-side football team local to Birmingham office and we play interoffice competitions as well as playing against other firms in the industry. There are regular drinks schedules as well as team lunches and you are encourage to attend networking events regularly. I also enjoy traveling to London for our apprentice training where the group organise drinks post training.

Yes

If you're looking for career in the construction industry- there is no better place to be than Mace. We are winning some of the best contracts globally and the opportunities are endless. The social aspect is excellent making the role very enjoyable and the company are really invested in the apprenticeship scheme and are focused on your development.

Research the core corporate values and use these as a basis for answers throughout the application questions, and interview answers. Get to grips with the different services and sectors that Mace offer as well as the variety of clients and projects we have been involved in. Get a good understanding of the industry itself in order to develop an interest in which you can draw upon in interviewing.