Trainee Engineer Review

On a day-to-day basis, I am imputing meter readings around site onto the environmental report, I am uploading waste delivery notes and monitoring noise, dust and vibration alerts at our sire boundary. I am also highlighting changes made to drawings and filing them away. I create 2 week look ahead reports and as built reports, for different areas on site, with individual subcontractors.

Having new been on a construction site before starting my apprenticeship, there was a lot I didn't know. By walking around on site and asking questions, I was learnt a lot of the terminology used in the industry. I have attended internal training courses - most being beneficial. I found the old course to be too advanced for my level. The eLearning courses were good as you can go at your own pace.

I love the programme I'm on. Coming from full time education, I love the mix between university and working. I get on with my team very well and have settled in with no problem. Despite being a girl, I have not been made to feel uncomfortable regardless of the stereotype.

I think the programme is well organised. We have been given a clear outline of the full 5 years so it's nice to forecast and know what you should be aiming for. Mace have organised a couple of reviews to date. Its good because when you're new to a project it's hard to know how you're doing in comparison to others.

My team have all been very welcoming. Although I have a line manager, everyone has taken me under their wing and I feel I can ask anyone for advice/ help. I feel the emerging talent team are always on the other end of an email when ever I've reached out to them.

I have had a few issues with the training provider. Firstly, one of the lecturers is not up to scratch and I have found myself correcting them on multiple occasions. Secondly, having done one of the modules before, I asked if I could take a module another in advance. A move which I thought was quite proactive did not have the not have the result I hoped for with the training provider.

Firstly, I have to appreciate that being in year 1 of 5, we are being taught a lot of the basics in order to get everyone from different backgrounds on a level playing field. I have come across a few things in lectures which have been relevant to things on site and visa versa.

I have taken part in voluntary days with Mace and a few networking events. Mace do offer the odd free gym class during schemes such as Well-being Week etc, but I find a lot of these activities are more directed and available to those in head office and not us on site which is a shame.

Yes

As the leading construction company in London, I think Mace is a vibrant, energetic company who think about the projects they do. They have shaped London with some of the most interesting buildings and are conscious on both a social and environment level too. They care about their employees offering Mace days too.

I would say be yourself. Be confident as they love a talker, and don't worry if you don't have the top grades on you CV. Show them what you can do. Research the company and realise that it's a two way thing - can you see yourself working, and progressing in the company? Mace offer many opportunities to their employees and they value someone with vision.