Assistant Cost Consultant Review

One role of a cost consultant is to manage the finances of a project; ensuring the project continues to run on a budget and the relevant financial information is presented to the client. This includes producing cost reports and valuations on a monthly basis. Furthermore, when assessing a project prior to commencing I must produce cost plans, analyse value engineering and asssess a proposed project to the budget available.

My journey within Mace has not only helped me professionally but also developed me as a person. Improving my communications skills, confidence when public speaking and certainly in work I have produced, especially when presenting. Further to this I have greatly improved my time management skills adapting to ways of working with consistent deadlines.

I really enjoy the variety of work that I complete and the opportunities to work with various members of the team. The team I work with are very friendly and helped me fit in from the get go. The office culture encourages communication and socialising in and outside of work hours. Furthermore, I consistently recommend the apprenticeship programme as I believe it is the best way to get into the industry.

Within Mace, we receive regular training along with the apprenticeship programme; the training helps to improve our understanding of construction technology as well as the various job roles within the company. Further to this, I have an apprentice portfolio that is used to track my work and how it contributes to complete understanding of the RICS competencies. I also have a line manager and buddy that helps to structure workload as well as plenty of support from all team members in the office.

There is consistent support available from all of the team within the office. The apprentices have good communication and continuously support each other with both work and university. There is a strong culture within mace to develop the more junior members of the team and ensure continuous professional development a

There are quarterly reviews with the Apprentice manager. During this review they will look over our progression on the course, what we are doing at work, where we are succeeding and note where we think we can improve. They also ensure we are well at work and are still showing eagerness to learn.

With my current subjects, there is a lot of correlation with work. This has directly helped me in my assignments and improved my overall understanding of things within work. This will continue to occur as my modules become more specific to quantity surveying and commercial management. Upon completing my uni course I will then work towards achieving my MRICS

Outside of work I train in the gym 6 days a week. I also attend most social events within the local construction industry to build my networking skills and find new contacts in the area. Within work I organise the volunteering for the south west and social events. In my free time I work on my cars.

Yes

I would recommend both Mace and the apprenticeship programme to anyone interested in construction. Mace offers a great service and structured approach to the development of apprentices and graduates. The job certainty, workplace development and fee-free education is a very attractive option. The global opportunities from Mace; travelling abroad for work experience is also a great opportunity.

Do some research on the company prior to applying, inform yourself upon the various opportunities available to you by working at Mace - you may discover a job role better suited to yourself. Furthermore, consider your passions and interests and how each sector of the construction industry can grab your attention.