Commercial Assistant Review

- Daily instructions to the contractor. - Monthly assessment of packages. - Agreeing changes to the contract with contractors contract and agreeing the associated costs, - Daily site walk around - weekly progress reports, checking on contractors. - Meetings with contractor and client to agree costs. - Responsible for managing project packages - involved in all aspects. - Agreeing Final Accounts

Yes, I am working towards obtaining a Quantity Surveying degree, attending university one day per week. The company arranges various internal training courses and sessions. We also are given the opportunity to have input into what sessions we should have. Sometimes the company brings in external training e.g. contracts training. The role allows for development and new skills. However, the ever changing rotation of the scheme means some roles are not as beneficial to your development and do not allow you to gain the required experience you need/want as you develop.

The Mace apprentice programme is good. There is attention to detail on the programme from the company board members and there is constant management of the scheme. However, over the scheme it often seems as if there is a lack of planning ahead. For example, communication on potential progression within the company isn't clear or when you will begin working towards your RICS Chartership. Additionally, the rotation aspect of the scheme is frustrating. There is no flexibility considered on the 9 month rotations to accommodate for the development of the apprentices. Overall, the work environments and company culture is good.

Well organised inductions, training, support. The company could give more time for studying, particularly for students studying for degree level qualification. There is a good mentor system in place. You can make of that system what you want, mentors are often flexible, helpful and willing to give guidance and support when called upon. One issue is the communication regarding next steps on the programme are often unclear / unkown.

Support is accessible whenever needed, which is highly valuable in a company with 5000 employees. The HR team are usually available to discuss with and you are also assigned mentors to help too. Over the past year I have been impressed with the support the employer has given, especially when dealing with the university and other aspects where issues have arrived.

The employer evidently cares highly about our education. The employer is in constant contact with the university and will raise issues regarding modules and the course if raised by the apprentices. In order for the employer to show greater support, a greater allowance for studying should be given, particularly those working towards a degree level qualification.

It is more a case that what I learn at work helps with my studies rather than what I learn through my training provider I apply at work. However, on occasion what I have learnt at university I have been able to apply, particularly contract law and also construction knowledge.

There are always various company events, including the apprentice end of year event and end of year awards. There are quarterly events, yearly events company wide to get up to date on what is going on in the company. Also, you are given 1 day a year to volunteer to a charity of your choosing!

Yes

Mace is a company where you can get excellent experience on a wide range of projects. Not many companies can give you this. Additionally, Mace having both a consultancy and construction side means you can get a wider range of experience only construction companies provide. So overall I would recommend Mace.

Make sure before you join you get a clear description of what your role will include and most importantly an outline of the entire scheme. You do not want to join and then find out that aspects of the scheme are not as explained in the interview and you have signed up to a long term contract for something you weren't expecting.