Commercial Apprentice Review

Currently procuring for a major project job in central London. I carry out technical reviews of tender submittals and agreeing the scope, cost and programme for different packages of work. After completing this i will move onto managing these orders throughout the duration of the project.

My technical knowledge of the construction industry has improved significantly, as well as my procurement/negotiating skills. I have become more confident in holding meetings and speaking to people outside the organisation. As well as being able to develop my own personal portfolio for surveying purposes.

I enjoy working on a project. You work with knowledgeable people, as well as gaining the exposure to excel in any area you wish to learn in. On a construction project everyone is committed to achieving a good goal, which helps you develop as an apprentice.

My programme is well structured. We have a training programme set out and the start of each academic year, and are provided with a portfolio which opens up avenues to branch out to different people in the business. With the portfolio, we are provided with mentors in the business. This gives us the opportunity to present work to not only your line manager, but other seniors within the business. You also are set up with your fellow piers throughout the whole scheme, so you can share experiences.

Support is provided for when it's needed. Having general catch ups with my line manager, mentor and the apprenticeship scheme shows the door is always open.

We have catch ups with our training provider regarding the external qualifications and the external support we receive. They are in regular dialogue with our results and ask for feedback on how the university are supporting us. I enjoy university when we are able to attend, although from home is not as effective.

Some courses i feel help me in my day to day role. We have invested time into presenting skills which helps when speaking to clients and other companies. Learning about multiple contracts also benefits me when reading documents during the procurement stage.

We have company communication sessions which gives the employees a chance to all come together from different sectors and discuss their projects and gain an insight on how the company is performing overall, as well as having ceremonies for the apprentices each year, rewarding us for the work we have done in the past year. We also get the opportunity to do a volunteering day each year, the whole project will do something to help the local community.

Yes

Mace is company with great opportunity. They help you gain exposure to all aspects of the industry to build the best portfolio you can. They continue to innovate and look to the future and thrive to improve each year. As an apprentice, it's positive to hear the company repeat that the future of the company is us, which strives me to work hard everyday.

Be confident and remember that everyone at the company wants you to succeed, so it's worth investing your time into.