Commercial Assistant Review

by Mace

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.1/10

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

Assisting the Senior Commercial Manager(s) on my project in: - Procurement and analysing tenders - Management of subcontractors in terms of payments - Contract Administration - Change control management

9/10

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

Yes, I continue to develop every single day. I find that it is my own choice to develop and the rate in which I do so can be accelerated through my own willingness and motivation. I find that the work that I do at work hugely aids me with my university work.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the programme, mace have a very well structured training programme and constantly keep in touch with all of their apprentices. I can tell that the programme is not low-budget and that a lot of thought and planning has gone into it. Emerging talent offer support to their apprentices constantly.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

As mentioned in my previous point, I cannot fault the structure of the training programme. It is very good and is an excellent opportunity for anyone new to the construction industry. I do not take these training sessions for granted as the content is vital for me to understand in order for me to succeed.

8/10

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

To summarise, a lot. Everyone in my site is willing to give time for me. This goes for the directors within my sector too, they are always friendly and willing to have a chat and to overall see how I'm getting on. In addition to this, Mace cover all transport, university fees and chartership fees.

7/10

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

A sufficient amount. South Bank have professional lecturers with a good approach to teaching and understand what is required in order to aid our learning.

7/10

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

It will enable me to become chartered and fully qualified as a quantity surveyor.

8/10

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.)

Lots of nights out, charity events, training sessions and team events. Its very easy to feel part of the team which is great and a very important aspect of work. I find that once I start to socialise with my work colleagues, work becomes a lot more enjoyable in general.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Mace to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Mace is an excellent place to start your career in the construction industry and I would definitely recommend. The support which they provide is outstanding.

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

- Show an interest (if you have one) - Don't apply just because you have a family member which does something similar - Find a way to motivate yourself - Study hard in what you're doing now.