Assistant Cost Consultant Review

I have had a variety of project experience in the short period I have worked for Mace, having exposure to multi-million-pound schemes and working with HE clients such as the University of Warwick, and Staffordshire University. I have gained pre-construction and post-construction experience including experience on confined sites with a live University interface. When not doing project related work, I also provide general assistance to the wider cost team; undertaking take-offs and measurement, recording minutes and assisting with cost plans and tender documents. Since joining Mace, I have also taken on the role of Health and Wellbeing Ambassador and Fire Marshall for the Birmingham office. With my role of a HSW Ambassador, I attend meetings and talks, and deliver office activities and presentations.

I have developed my knowledge with Excel, Bim Measure/ CATO (Causeway), Spons, NBS and the Mace internal software's such as Oracle and Infomace. Since starting my apprenticeship, I have began to gain my understanding of a Cost Consultants role and have been provided with various opportunities to undertake Measurements, Cost Plans, Site Valuations, and attend design meetings to name a few. This has allowed me to develop my communication skills, listening skills, general knowledge by learning and increase my technical skills over time.

I am really enjoying my apprenticeship with Mace Group. I feel very privileged to work for a company who celebrates so much success. Mace has provided me with many great opportunities within the short period I have worked for them and I am very grateful for that. I have learnt a lot in the time I have been here and thoroughly look forward to the years ahead during my apprenticeship as my knowledge will progress and more opportunities will come for me to learn. I am also really enjoying University and learning about my role and the construction industry in general. This is helping me greatly when I am in the office and on site as I get to understand what I am witnessing within the workplace by learning about it in class.

The organisation and structure of the programme has been very straight forward to follow ever since my first day. I have been very well supported by the apprenticeship team (and all members of Mace) ever since my first day and if there is ever an issue, they are very quick to respond and help. I am positive in the structure of the overall programme for the next 5 years with Mace and University and have already been given an early insight into what I shall do over the next 5 years to achieve my goal of gaining my degree and becoming a chartered Quantity Surveyor.

The support from Mace is 10/10. I am very pleased with my progress and learning so far, and that is down to how well Mace have supported me over the last year. I have been provided with many opportunities so far from my employer and as my knowledge increases and confidence within the workplace, the support is getting higher as I begin to learn more and actively play a role in a project.

The support from University is to a high standard. My lecturers are always willing to help whether that's via phone, email or in person. During the current situation with COVID-19, The university has been great and ensured we still get web based lectures to learn in the lead up to exams and assignments. The university offers a great list of software such as Canvas and MYWLV that keeps us updated with modules, emails and news from the university.

By attending University and gaining more knowledge in the QS field, it benefits me massively at work as the things I see and do in the office or on site are what I am learning about in class at University. It helps me understand what I may be listening to in a design meeting for example or learning about in a training session.

The Birmingham office where I work offers a range of social events over the year to socialise with colleagues, I also attend RICS Matrix events to network with other companies and apprentices. As a HSW Ambassador, this also allows me to socialise/network outside of work with other companies and people who share the same interests/job as myself.

Yes

Mace is a fantastic company to work for which forever progresses and offers more exciting opportunities. The apprentices are very well looked after and are provided with a brilliant programme that allows you to progress in your career. Employees are all proud to work for Mace and it shows in the statistics and fantastic results the company gain each year. I would definitely recommend.

Ensure you know what the job role you are applying for entails and do your research about Mace and the construction industry as a whole. I would definitely recommend preparing well in advance for your interviews (phone or face to face) and just be yourself during the application process and on the day of your interview. The hard work will be worth it and you will be provided with a fantastic apprenticeship programme and a wide range of great opportunities throughout the apprenticeship!