Construction Assistant Review

Check and answer emails when I first get in. Once this is done if there are any site inductions to be done I will spend 30 minutes to an hour completing those. I have DABs on site with all supervisors to understand the works being undertaken that day and key issues or blockers to be resolved. I manage the delivery schedule day to day to ensure only one delivery comes at a time. I review and sign off RAMs and permits specific to the works being done. I maintain a daily site diary that accounts for operatives on site and the work that was done in the day. I do compliance paperwork where necessary and 2 weekly look ahead programmes. I also put together a weekly dashboard that I present in our client meeting each week.

Since starting my management skills have significantly improved, I have learnt to have confidence in myself and my decisions. I have developed the ability to be firm but fair when I need to be on site. Prior to the apprenticeship I had no construction knowledge at all and every day I learn something new whether its a method of construction or a technology that is used to ease the process and make it more effective. I have learnt how to present in front of a professional body of people and be confident when doing so.

Leaving school I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to go down so ended up working in retail which I didn't enjoy. Since starting at Mace I enjoy getting up and coming to work each day. I know that when I get in to work I will be busy and always learning new things. I like that no two days are the same and I'm not just sat at a desk all day doing mundane activities.

The weeks long induction is a great introduction to the company, key speakers, trainers and learning the key values of Mace was a way to make us feel part of the company from the offset. Management is very good and there is a large support network for new starters. Having a buddy in the first was a great incentive, it was someone you could ask questions and first hand would know the experience. You study one day a week and work 4, this balance is ideal as what you learn in lectures you then get to see first hand whilst on site or in the office. The emerging talent team were very helpful and supportive in first year and continue to be so as I progress through.

I have regular catch ups with my line manager to discuss my progress and any problems I might be having whilst at work. If I ever feel as though I haven't got enough time to complete my university work its as simple as having a conversation to voice my concerns and a plan is agreed and put in place to help you get back on track. Your site team is also a great support network to have as they are with you the most out of everyone and can help with immediate issues if you feel like its a simple quick fix, rather than going straight to your line manager.

Quarterly catch ups are held with the university in which you discuss your progress, attendance, grades and exams. It's a good way for your line manager to see the evidence of how you are doing and then there is the opportunity to talk about potential areas of improvement. I enjoy university now that we are back on campus, there are lots of resources available to help with coursework and exams and lecturers are always on hand to answer any questions.

The aspects of construction I learn whilst at university are crucial for my on site learning. By doing the theory and then being able to witness it first hand on site is the best way for me to learn. The other aspects they teach at university such as the use of CAD is very useful for what I am doing now as it is something that I come across on a regular basis when looking at drawings for on site plans. It is not just the construction learning that is useful but also the semester about grammar and English, it helps massively for communication and ensuring that points are put across effectively without being too wordy or non professional.

There are lots of in house training sessions that involve networking with other apprentices throughout the year, these are great as you get to talk to the other years and find out their experiences and how they are getting on. Also within site teams there is also opportunities to network with other people not just from within the company. There are many networks that you can join which will meet to discuss different topics relating to that specific network. You are also highly encouraged to use volunteering hours to help in the local community, Mace are very supportive of this and drive everyone to use their volunteering hours allocated to each person.

Yes

The support throughout the apprenticeship is great, I never feel as thought I can't approach someone with a question whether I think its silly or not, this isn't just with Mace but with the people working on site too. You learn a lot at university whilst also learning on the job which I find extremely helpful. You are based near your home so a commute is never an issue either.

Be honest in your application. Try to showcase the best of your ability without fabricating the truth. When it comes to assessment days or interviews be confident and involved but ensure that you can also be a team player and take a back seat to let someone else take the lead. Find something that will stand you out from everyone else and use real life examples where possible. Have confidence in yourself, they wouldn't shortlist you through interviews if you didn't think you weren't right for the role. SMILE!