Commercial Assistant Review

My role as a Commercial Assistant mainly revolves around assisting the Senior Commercial Manager. Since I have started my apprenticeship I have been based on site most of the time assisting through monthly valuations, Interim Payment and pricing work. This has really helped me understand how specific types of work is done on site in order to widen my commercial accuracy.

I have developed many skills during my apprenticeship, from some of the more baseline skills such as teamwork and communication skills but also I have refreshed my knowledge of mathematics, through take offs and units in college. A better understanding of what is expected of my job role but also every member of the project team.

I enjoy the fact that every day is different and that you will never find 2 days the same. The part which makes me enjoy the programme the most is knowing that every day I'm learning new things, some may be small and basic and you might not even think anything of it at first, but soon you realize that everything that you do amounts to your job knowledge and shapes you into an employee that truly understand the job role, different responsibilities, the company, its values etc. Everything that you do will benefit you in some way. Not only that but you're getting paid to study which is most likely what you would be doing anyway!

From working within 2 different project teams at Mace, I can safely say that I have felt valued as a team member, not just as the project 'Trainee' or the 'Apprentice'. Mace is very good at making you feel valued within the company from day one. The work that I'm given is often challenging, which I really like because it makes me feel valued and people can look past my limited experience in the industry. My managers and Directors are very supportive and will always make time for you, which is something which I really appreciate and think is something apprentices find very important.

The programme is designed in a way which is made flexible, this is because you can shape it towards the role that you would like to become. The Level 3 programme has many different pathways which I'm aware of such as further study to HNC's and HND's and Degrees (All part time) and eventually chartership too. Mace also will give you a document at the beginning of the apprenticeship suited to the role that you want to train to become and will list about 7 different units and each unit states all the competencies which you are expected to have fulfilled before the end of you apprenticeship. Overall, very well structured, flexible and helpful towards your own development.

In terms of college, the tutors are supportive in helping you to learn and gain a detailed understanding of the different units that you're studying so that you have the potential to reach all of the criteria in the assignments. I haven't faced any problems with my college, I feel as though the tutors are knowledgeable as both my tutors have worked in the industry for 20+ years, one as a project manager and one as a quantity surveyor.

Mace have been very supportive of me since day one. As an apprentice you are given a lot more opportunities of reviewing your progress, I go through with my manager and the traing provider roughly every 6-8 weeks, my progress and any goals or targets that I have previously made or plan to meet in the future. Mace are also very supportive in meeting your personal development and training needs. If you have a suggestion to make which may help your training, people from Mace will always make time for you and listen to your suggestions.

Currently my salary is at the national minimum wage for my age bracket, however all my travel expenses are paid and all of my college fees and other training fees are paid. I understand that once this apprenticeship is finished, the salary will increase quite significantly.

I have attended a volunteer day, various social activities for example the staff communications events which is basically a quarterly summary on how the business unit has performed, business news and a Q&A session along with food and drink afterwards for staff to enjoy and celebrate. Mace also gives free opportunities like tickets to the Paralympics which is something that 200 Mace staff got to enjoy this year.

Yes

If you're looking for a head start in the construction industry, Mace is an excellent place to start and to develop your career. The training providers are chosen well, as the qualifications allow you to have a smooth pathway to chartership in your chosen profession. The competencies and knowledge which is expected of you by the end of your apprenticeship is stated from day one, so you always know how to stay on track. The frequent progress reviews help you to have a good understanding of where you are and how you are performing against what is expected of you. There is also a very large amount of opportunity to move to different areas of the company as mace group is so large and operates in 150+ countries.

Show that you're interested and passionate about the career you would like to train to become. If you are applying for an apprentice, trainee or any kind of training role at Mace, not a lot of knowledge or experience is really needed at all. All that Mace want to see is that you're interested and eager to learn more.