Trainee Construction Manager Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement with Mace. I would highly recommend it to any student looking to gain experience in the industry and I hope to complete another placement next summer at Mace.

I often felt valued by my colleagues. I was given responsibility and was praised if I did a good job or completed a task quickly and to the required standard.

The team were extremely welcoming and supported me throughout my placement, ensuring I made the most of my time there. They were always happy to help and would answer any questions I had.

I was always kept busy on a daily basis. If I was not shadowing a construction manager or in meetings, I was given individual tasks to carry out in the day.

During my placement I was given a high level of responsibility from the start. I was entrusted to carry out tasks my myself such as conducting on-site inspections. This responsibility allowed me to fully experience what working life is like as a construction manager at Mace.

I have gained experience in quality control, environmental and sustainability management and health & safety performance. I have also developed valuable skills, including being able to interpret drawings, and construction programmes, as well as expanding my knowledge of commercial building construction methods. My manager ensured I was exposed to aspects of the role which I will be studying next year in my degree, therefore these skills will significantly help me.

The general atmosphere in the office was good. Everybody was happy to give help or answer questions other colleagues had. There was also a good social aspect in the office with colleagues joking about.

The work placement was well set up. There was an induction at the start of the placement which gave us a good insight to the company and what the placement would entail. Head office also called throughout the placement to ensure everything was good and I had no issues. When I arrived to site everything I needed such as a laptop and PPE were on my desk and ready to use.

I was given lots of training, particularly online. I also attended a training day on permits to work. I was treat like any other full-time employee in terms of the training and development that was on offer to me.

I really enjoyed my placement, therefore I am hoping to complete another summer placement with Mace next year. I am also keen to explore the graduate development programme they offer. They have also been awarded the best graduate company in construction for the past 3 years, therefore the future employment prospects with the company are very appealing. I know I will be given the support and help I need in order to achieve in this industry.

There was an induction on the first day of the placement where I first met other placement students. There were also a couple of networking events organised throughout the placement. There was also a good social scene amongst colleagues. There were events that were organised such as drinks after work, which I attended. This helped me settle in and get to know my colleagues.

I lived in Reading and worked in Bracknell. The cost of living and socialising was good and not too expensive.

I did not go out in the area I worked in, however I have been told the nightlife in Bracknell is not very good.

There were opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work, for example volunteering. However I did not take part in these. More could've been offered.