Commercial Assistant Review

Day-to-day my job role includes: - assessing sub-contractors works on site, - site walks, - assessing applications for payment - assessing sub-contractor variations - Rolling Account Reviews / Final Account Reviews - Aligning responses to variations with contracts - Meetings to review progression of sub-contractors

I have learnt and developed a vast amount of new skills within my first year with Mace, some include: - Attention to detail - Priority Matrix - Contractual Knowledge - Accounting Skills - Teamwork - Confidence - General Construction Knowledge - General Surveying Skills

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship, I feel that I learn and develop new skills everyday which is developing my ability as a quantity surveyor. I work with a great team on a project wide basis, as well as company wide. The support put in place by the surrounding commercial team, my line manager and Mace's emerging talent team can't be faulted - everyone is willing to help and share what they can to give you what you need.

The apprenticeship programme at Mace is very well structured. In my first year, there has been monthly training sessions with other apprentices on specific skills for job-roles, career management and people skills. I attend University one day a week to work towards my degree in Chartered Quantity Surveying, and this is very well support through both the University and Mace. There are portfolios to complete, which help monitor your progress and (for a commercial role) help track development of the RICS competencies.

The employer support is second to none. My line manager has daily check ins with me to make sure that I am understanding of all tasks and feel confident in doing so, but not to the point where I feel restricted and reliant on him. They have put in place regular training sessions to ensure that all apprentices develop their skills which are critical for their roles, and aim to improve the quality of their training sessions year on year. Whilst I have a strong relationship with my Line Manager, I feel that I could approach anyone at Mace if I required help, from an assistant grade to anyone in SLT and receive adequate support without any negativity.

Whilst only being at University for a year so far, the support I have received has been good. Lecturers make themselves available to contact and are happy to help at all times. They provide clear instructions of what will be expected of us at our EPA (end point assessment) and ensure that we develop the right skills for this. In my third year of study, LSBU (London Southbank University) will also enroll me on the RICS programme and I will begin the steps to becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. The University also sponsor me to become an RICS member and pay enrollment fees.

The lectures that are provided are job-specific and provide crucial knowledge which I now use in my daily role, a key example being Construction Technology and Material knowledge. At the start of my career, I thought I had a respectable understanding of construction and how projects were built, but through the University lectures, I have realised I knew very little. I know understand minute details that before I would've not even considered, and having knowledge of these details helps me understand works on-site at a much greater extent.

Often the project team organise activities such as quiz nights, social drinks and other events which help bring the team together and has also helped me to develop my relationship with individuals and build a strong internal network. Mace also have organised events for apprentices to go and complete activities with Directors and Business Unit Directors. For example, I was offered the opportunity to play mini-golf with business directors which helped me develop connections and a relationship with people who, at the start of my apprenticeship, I thought were so far above me and wouldn't want to attend these sessions on top of their busy schedule, and now I have frequent interactions and conversations with them when I meet them at events / day-to-day work.

Yes

I have developed a wide skill set and I feel that I am learning more everyday. The networks I have developed are strong and I feel that I have made good friends for the future. It is difficult to imagine that other apprenticeships, provide you with the same level of exposure Mace offer, which is critical for your development.

Make sure you show off your skill set, It is important that when being interviewed you are able to show that you are capable and have the desire to be better, and learn more. Make sure you ask questions too, It is important that you walk away knowing everything you want to know, this shows your interest and willingness. Remember to understand the company and what we do, having a general knowledge of the role and/or company you are applying for will help you to answer questions.