Apprentice Civil Engineer Review

I have a site based role as a civil engineer apprentice on site. I am currently part of a small construction team developing a commercial office block with 9 floors. I work closely alongside construction managers, project managers, planners and other trades in order to resolve on site construction issues.

Through the course of my apprenticeship I have developed my technical knowledge of the construction industry. This has helped me apply what I have learnt at university to real life problems on site and vice versa. Additionally, working with mace has helped me to gain communication skills and improve my confidence.

I thoroughly enjoy my apprenticeship programme with Mace group and look forward to continuing to improve my knowledge in the years to follow. Mace have provided the apprentices with a number of additional training and support to help broaden my understanding of the construction industry and building sequence. I have had the opportunity to work on 2 major developments within London and visit many other major engineering works such as the development of Battersea power station.

The course is well structured with the apprenticeship organisers consistently making improvements with advice from other professionals and apprentices involved. During our apprenticeship we develop a portfolio of experience specifically tailored to our job role which once complete directly correspond with the ICE chartership assessment criteria, thus allowing us to pursue chartership if we desire. Our experience on the engineering scheme is supported by regular training and site visits to ensure we get the exposure to different construction techniques and challenges.

Mace schedule quarterly assessments with apprentices to ensure we have the support we need and are progressing in our understanding. Additionally each role has its own competency assessor who is available to help monitor our progress on the portfolio and answer any questions we might have. My on site team and line manager help to increase my responsibility on site to challenge my ability. If I need assistance they are always available to support and provide guidance.

London South Bank university provide some support toward the qualification. Lecturers will recommend useful reading material to help students develop their knowledge. Lecturers are also available to provide support to questions via email and after their lectures. The Moodle tool site is utilised at London south bank to share knowledge and store lecture notes so that students can revisit information. The support could be improved by proving more past papers/question examples for assessments.

I feel my qualification often supports some areas of my job role by providing understanding of the technical reasons for contractors using construction techniques. My modules such as "Structures and construction technology" have helped me appreciate the reasons behind using certain materials for different applications. I am also able to use what I have learnt on site within my university qualification.

At Mace I have been able to get involved with a number of extra curricular activities. - Mace provide a plethora of networking events that have allowed me to meet other professionals and apprentices within a number of roles in the construction industry. Mace also provide a number of extra-curricular activities for employees, some examples that I have been involved in are: - I was lucky enough to go on a white-water rafting teambuilding event with Mace. - Through Mace I have been a part of the crane rescue team on my first construction site.

Yes

The construction industry is a broad horizon of career opportunities, Mace provide the perfect gateway to developing your career and their comforting team attitude helps you to do this. By working for mace group you have the opportunity to work closely alongside the best professionals within the construction industry and develop your understanding to surpass your peers.

When applying to Mace group ensure that you are willing to embrace the hardworking attitude that Mace adopts. Through your application ensure that you express your willing to constantly learn and develop your skills an attitude that Mace holds within all of its sectors. Ensure that during the interviewing stages that you are yourself and express your honest views and abilities. Mace is formed of a great number of different individuals with their own skills and capabilities that come together to produce innovative and exciting projects.