Quantity Surveyor Apprentice Review

As an apprentice, I am mainly responsible for assisting the Commercial Manager in carrying out any quantity surveying duties. These include assisting in agreeing with contracting partners, valuing variations, processing valuation payments and agreeing final accounts to ensure successful delivery of repairs. I play an assisting role within a variety of different project areas, usually centered around costs, measurements and project design management.

Most definitely. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a key method by which individuals can maintain and develop their skill base and so ensure that they are able to provide the most appropriate technical or professional solution to problems. CPD ensures that an individual enhances their knowledge and skills to deliver a professional service to customers, clients and the community. It can not only develop new skills and knowledge but can also ensure they are relevant to current circumstances. CPD is required for this apprenticeship. This can be can be done through reading, attending online seminars and attending training courses that are provided by Mace. To achieve the required hours, I log any training relevant to the course with a clear description of what training occurred and what the outcome was - enabling me to refer back to my records and successfully retain any knowledge/skills gained.

Although some days may be demanding, Mace's degree apprenticeship programme has allowed me to develop both socially and professionally every single day. I thoroughly enjoy working with my co-workers and attacking the challenges that alter daily. As a Degree Level Apprentice, you earn money while you learn and have no student debt left over you when you graduate. When you have a career in mind and know what you want to do, the programme is a great way to graduate with 3 years work experience and no debt.

In my opinion, the structure of Mace's Degree Apprenticeship is perfect for gaining the required practical knowledge and professional skills. Balancing on-the-job work and University studying is a challenging aspect of the programme that will force you to manage your time effectively. When you gain an understanding of how best to use your time you are rewarded with a strong sense of achievement.

At Mace, the support you receive is second to none. This is the case across all job roles and levels. In my experience, the influence, guidance and direction received from mentoring has allowed me to develop and gain the professional skills and competencies relevant to my role. At Mace, the purpose of mentoring is to tap into the existing knowledge, skills, and experience of high performing employees and transfer these skills to less experienced employees to advance their careers. Mentoring meetings are great way to help people develop more effectively. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss individual goals and achievements and to set personal goals that an individual can achieve, it is a relationship designed to build confidence and support the mentee, so they are able to take control of their own development and work.

During your apprenticeship, you have access to a multitude of support resources. After joining, you are provided a 'buddy' (another member of the apprenticeship programme to provide informal support) and a line manager (who provides daily informal and formal support). In addition to this you have: your cohort, the wider apprenticeship and graduate staff, your day-to-day coworkers and Mace's emerging talent team. All of which provide general support and guidance with any problems you may encounter - whether it is directly work related or those that affect your personal life. Regarding external qualifications, I receive exceptional support and guidance from all of the above. For example, my line manager helps me to structure plans for revision and completing assignments.

The qualification (Chartered Surveying Degree Bsc) that the training provider (UCEM) offers, despite being flexible, is structured extremely well and has key targets/milestones to achieve. During my experience, some of the theoretical knowledge picked up on the course has not (yet) been directly related to my day-to-day activities. However, certain units/activities have a direct relevance and allow me to perform better in my role.

At Mace, there are a large number of networking events available which I have personally found to be extremely beneficial as well as enjoyable. Mace also offers every person who works for the company a free volunteering day each year. I have thoroughly enjoyed these volunteering days as it can feel rewarding to help the community while enjoying a nice break from the office/site while in the company of other Mace employees.

Yes

Mace is an international consultancy and construction company, founded and built on exceptional people, a commitment to service excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit. Mace people share a common drive to succeed, an enthusiasm for their work, and a passion for providing exceptional service to our clients, partners and the communities where we work.

Review the job description (on the Mace website) and find words that look like they relate to traits, skills or experiences that the company is looking for. Use them tactfully throughout your application. If you can, ask someone else to proofread your application. A second set of eyes can make a big difference.