Commercial Apprentice Review

Day to day activities include measuring and costing materials in my package (steel), liaising with sub-contractors, siting in on meetings and carrying out valuations to see whether the amount that the sub-contractor has applied for that month matches the work that they have completed. Approximately once every two weeks I spend the day in training which could be anything from workshops with directors to getting an APM.

On Mace's apprenticeship scheme you are constantly developing skills, whether it is personal skills such as confidence and professionalism, or technical skills like how to utilize excel and cost materials. They have a training programme which is tailored to ensuring that you develop all the key skills that make you desirable to an employer but skills that are also in line with aiding your professional chartership.

I can honestly say that I love working as an apprentice for Mace. It can be quite daunting coming straight out of school and moving into the working world; however the support system that Mace provide in accommodating this change is unbelievable. From day 1 you are made to feel so welcome and the emerging talent team are so approachable for anything that concerns you whether that is personal, work related or university based.

Mace's emerging talent team have put a lot of work into their training programme and do their best to organise engaging sessions. The training takes place regularly, is always on the same weekday and the details are sent out months in advance so you are never second guessing when the training will be and you can work around these days. Overall the programme is very well organised.

As mentioned previously, one of the best things about the Mace apprenticeship is the support provided. Whilst it is a huge leap from school to working, Mace provide the stepping stones required to make this an easier transition. The number of support systems provided is endless: you have a buddy, your fellow apprentices, your line manager, the site team and of course the emerging talent team themselves. Everybody I have spoken to whether they are an apprentice or a director are always more than happy to answer any questions you have and even encourage you to reach out which is not something that I expected.

London Southbank University is the training provider for me currently. Working remotely has come with many challenges and it is understandable that this was a unprecedented event however I feel as though LSBU could have handled this a lot better. On the other hand, where issues had been raised internally to Mace, Mace dealt with them very quickly.

Without having any background in construction, everything I learnt was new to me, so the qualification helps massively with getting my head around what construction is. The university essentially explain the theory/methodology behind a process which aids your understanding on site. Equally through working you consolidate what you have learnt in the classroom and see what it looks like in real life, so they really compliment each other.

Mace have multiple networks that apprentices can get involved in for example pride at mace, women in mace as well as apprentice and graduate networks. There is an award ceremony annually for all apprentices with awards for each discipline. Having only been at mace during covid times there hasn't really been the opportunity for many social events or sports events. There have been multiple networking events over teams however.

Yes

I would highly recommend Mace to a friend or somebody considering an apprenticeship because they are so supportive, friendly and the projects that you have the opportunity to work on are unmatched. Mace have been involved in iconic projects including the London eye and the Shard and they continue to win amazing jobs.

I would advise that you research Mace before applying for two reasons a. so that you know whether it is the right company for you and b. to demonstrate that you are passionate about working for them. Whilst not essential, I would also recommend reaching out and networking, once again this will demonstrate that you have the 'get up and go' attitude that Mace look for.