Project Assistant Review

The beauty of project management is that the tasks are constantly changing. The type of responsibility carried out on a day to day basis is largely dependent on the stage the project is currently in. As a first year apprentice an average day would consist of firstly for around half an hour structuring the day from a personal actions tracker to ensure efficiency and no small task that need to be completed are missed. I would generally have a project wide meeting for 2 hours which consists of multiple organisations that are working on the project coming together to give a detailed update on current issues and progress. I would generally then spend an hour updating various trackers and logs. Following that if in the office I would spend an hour having lunch and discussing the different projects colleagues are working on. After this there would be an hours meeting which can be based on anything from risk, cost, ecology or a program review. For the remaining hours of the day I would help produce a presentation that our team would be presenting. However, this structure is bound to change in the next few months as we are moving on to the construction stage which i'm highly looking forward to.

The nature of project management means you are exposed to a wide variety of skills or areas but are not required to have a great depth of knowledge. I have widened my skills understanding how risks, costs and many more are developed and managed. In specific the skills which I have gained in detail are organisation, time management and communication. Completing fundamental project management courses I understand the apprenticeship Im taking will eventually lead to development of problem solving and leadership skills.

Thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the course. I like the balance between University and the day job. I enjoy the rotational nature of the role as tasks are consistently changing. A very good connection with colleagues on the same project as well as meeting all the apprentices at apprenticeship training courses.

The programme has good organisation with a portfolio where certain tasks at the end of the 5 years needs to be achieved. However it is not too restrictive but allows work to be carried out based on where u are on the project. Every apprentices route will be different as there is not one set layout. There is apprenticeship training every month where all the apprentices get together and learn new skills.

There is much support from the company through the buddy system where you can seek advice from someone in a simaler position as well as having consistent meetings with the emerging talent team for any advice or help required. Also consistent weekly catch ups with manager where the type of tasks I carry out are reviewed and discussed.

We receive significant support as we receive 1 day a week to help achieve our qualification

Although I havnt seen a huge direct relation as the quantity surveying degree differs from being a project assistant it has helped me understand the construction industry a lot more.

There are regular activities available such as the young professional groups where we go on site visits and gain a wider understanding. There are sports and social activities available that I haven't been able to attend but will in the future.

Yes

There are huge opportunities for development as well as being very inclusive and having a great work life balance.

Ensure you have good work experience and knowledge regarding the basic values of Mace. Be passionate about the role and the industry.