Construction Management Placement Trainee

My team works collaboratively which allowed me to learn how the project develops outside of my role. Mace's company values and work environment are really inviting to minorities within the construction industry. I was impressed with the team who organised my placement and the inductions received. We received talks from new starters within mace who shared their experiences so far.

Colleagues made sure I could approach them to shadow and learn form them but also ask questions when getting on with my own work. I wasn't given much responsibility but did receive personal projects to work on related to the teams goals. I was involved with team projects that were already ongoing from before my arrival and was integrated well.

I was given mainly hands off support to allow me the freedom to source information rather than be spoon fed. This meant that I could learn at my own pace and increase knowledge and skills in areas that interested me. My supervisor trained me with technical skills that I will need to carry out my work and allowed me opportunities to practise these with him.

I was busy with the tasks I organised for myself day to day and given bigger tasks to work on over time. I was never given too much work. Tasks were not too difficult. I was given the freedom to involve myself in whatever interested me. I felt I could've been given more responsibility.

I was given small responsibilities that my line manager could monitor and support me with. The responsibilities were manageable and encouraged me to work with colleagues to resolve issues that arose. These are tasks that I will need to repeat again in the future so it was useful and relevant.

The skills, development and training received during my placement will aid me in a integrated design module and my dissertation. As I have more knowledge on how to start a project and work collaboratively within a team. I have also had to feedback what I have learnt throughout my placement and will need to present for both of these modules. I feel a lot more confident going back to university and knowing that I can produce more work.

The atmosphere in the office was always very friendly and welcoming to myself. The entire project worked collaboratively so all staff spoke to each other throughout the day. There were regular meetings taking place and the ones I attended taught me about the crossovers of departments where they must closely work together.

The organisation of the placement before I arrived was very well put together. The emerging talent team kept in sufficient contact with me. I was set up immediately on site with my own PPE, my own laptop, login details and online drives. The placement environment meant that I could learn from different departments.

The placement included a welcome event where we learnt about the company goals and a full day induction with information and training. Topics included innovations that mace implement, services for staff and self management. I also received Working at heights training with site managers and regular technical training takes place on site.

We were informed of the graduate scheme. I also discussed with colleagues their career routes and developments within mace. This makes me confident in wanting to return to mace as a graduate. It is possible that I can change job roles in the future too if I see it fit.

yes, I kept in regular contact with some of my placement colleagues. we had an induction and close event together with a social after organised by mace. I also invited fellow placement colleagues to my site and was able to explain to them tasks I had undertaken throughout my placement.

Cost of living is expensive in London. Socialising is fine.

Nightlife is fine.

I was invited to drinks throughout my placement, I attended some of them.