Cost Consultancy Assistant Review

I am an assistant quantity surveyor. Day to day this involves producing cost results, completing the commercial aspect of a tender return, valuations, financial reports and site visits. Also, my days include meetings, both internally in my company and with Clients / contractors. Additionally, I attend university once a week and partake in internal apprentice training.

Since starting at Mace, my confidence skills have certainly developed. In my role I am challenged to be independent right from the get go, and have my own responsibilities and deadlines. I have developed confidence by having to ask so many questions which has made me develop my work based skills quickly.

I certainly enjoy my programme a lot. As a degree apprentice I am given a lot of responsibility which I enjoy. My hours of work are flexible and I can also work partly from home or in the office, which I thoroughly enjoy. I feel from working 9-5, 4 days a week, I am gaining so much knowledge and skills associated with my role; so many more than I would if I was just doing a degree.

From the emerging talent team, the programme is very well organised. Before I started, I knew exactly where to go and what to do and had already met people from my office before. I was given a timetable for the first few weeks stating what I would be doing which massively helped to calm my anxiety. I feel as though in my region, it can be a little unorganized regarding the apprentices and logistics on the system. However, I think in other regions such as London, this is not an issue.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Everyone I have met is willing to help me and answer any questions I may have. I haven't been scared or worried to ask anything, as everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I also receive a lot of support from the emerging talent team.

My training provider has been a little poor in providing support. Some lecturers are not interested in helping and will ignore emails or tell you to look elsewhere. However, I receive support within my company. If I have any questions relating to UNI someone in the office is around to help.

A lot of the content I have learned in UNI has helped me develop within my role. For example, at the start I had no knowledge on any construction terminology and since starting UNI this has certainly developed. I have found some content I have learnt at uni to be irrelevant to my role.

My company host a lot of social events both within the region and with other apprentices across the country. I find social / networking events with other apprentices to be particularly useful as you can meet people who you can relate to and in the future ask questions to about assignemnts or work.

Yes

Starting my degree apprenticeship at Mace has genuinely been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has helped me to grow in my confidence and start my career early. Mace is flexible, which is a huge benefit and offers a lot of support and amazing opportunities to work on some great projects.

Prepare well for your interviews. Try and have some relevant work experience that you can talk about in your interview. Show passion for what you're applying for. Make sure you're professional and punctual and be confident in your interview, even if you don't feel it. Contribute in group interviews but don't be the loudest in the room.