Construction Assistant Review

My role day to day includes site inductions for all new operatives wanting to work on site. Managing the programme in accordance with the activities on site, ensuring that we are in line with where we should be and if there are any delays whether there are ways it can be improved. I manage the Health & Safety standards whilst out on site and ensure all personnel are working safely and to the standards expected at Mace. I hold Daily Activity Briefings with all on site supervisors to discuss their works for the next day, any issues they are having, deliveries they need to book in and co-ordinate their works so no one is working close by if it can be helped.

Within the construction industry there are always new skills to be learnt and different knowledge you can gain. I have learnt a lot in my 2 and a half years of being with Mace and it only grows over time. In terms of developing my existing skill set, things such as presenting to a group of people, networking and general confidence has hugely improved since beginning my apprenticeship. One I feel I have developed the most this year is self assurance, knowing I'm making the right decision and sticking to what I feel is best.

I find my job very enjoyable, I find myself looking forward to getting up and going to work each day. I enjoy being busy throughout my day and not being sat at the same desk for a long period of time. I like the variation that comes with the job and the different experiences you can get. There is such a variety of projects, locations, skills and experiences that means the job is never boring.

The programme at Mace has always been very well organised and structured. We are issued a timetable at the start of the year which details all mandatory training sessions we have to attend within the academic year. They have a clear path for you to follow to ensure you get the most out of your job and the training provided whilst learning.

The support at Mace has always been something I have been very satisfied with. They are quick to action any issues you may have and ensure they are dealt with in a way that is effective and appropriate. Within Mace you have multiple avenues for support which I think is great, it means you have different people you can go to for issues you may not feel worthy of going to your line manager or whether you just need a bit of advice. You are given a buddy in your first year who is your first port of call, this works extremely well as they are already a year or so into the programme so understand what you're going through and can guide you. You also have the Emerging Talent Team, your site team and your Line Manager all there for different kinds of support.

The training providers at London Southbank University were good. They were always on hand to help out and support you through exams and coursework that was due. All lectures and support were put online so it could be accessed 24/7 which made life a lot easier. I have just begun my NVQ Level 6 and the support for that is equally as good, my mentor is available all the time for any questions I have and is proactive in arranging meetings to discuss my progress and my avenues for improving.

The qualification I have gained through my apprenticeship with Mace couldn't be more useful if it tried. It captures all of the technical knowledge that experience on a daily basis. It was beneficial for me to learn about it in a classroom setting and then be able to see it whilst out on site. It also opened my horizons to the aspects of the actual construction of buildings and what goes into it which isn't something I see on a daily basis.

There are lots of networks you can join at Mace which host different events, seminars or training sessions you can attend. There is a lot of opportunity to volunteer within the local community and do something good to help out. Within each Business Unit they doing different networking events which means you can meet with lots of members of your team you don't necessarily see all the time.

Yes

Mace has been great since the beginning in helping me to develop within my role. They are continuously on hand for support and advice whenever you need it. There is a clear and structured academic plan to ensure you get the most out of the training provided that is needed to help you within your career. There is lots of opportunity to work on different jobs and get difference experiences to help broaden your knowledge.

Always be honest when applying, they want to know what your'e like as a person. They want someone who is going to show promise in the respect of wanting to learn and wanting to get involved. Mace is a big company but doesn't make you feel as if you are just another employee. Each employee is highly valued and that is clear once you begin the journey.