Assistant Construction Manager Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement at Mace for it really opened a window of insight into the working world of the construction industry. Life lessons where learnt along with the plethora of practical knowledge I can take back to university. The job was both rewarding and a great experience to remember.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. I was given responsibilities which meant working closely with colleagues and therefore creating respect among us all. I felt as though I was doing a good job and felt when interaction between myself and colleagues did occur, it was a pleasure for all of us to work together.

I was sitting next to my mentor and not far from my Line Manager throughout the entire placement who both constantly made sure that I was supported and guided in the carrying out of the processes I was undertaking. With regular meetings between us and watchful eyes from my fellow colleagues, the placement itself was a supported environment to work in.

I was immediately given responsibilities which would ensure that there was not a free minute of my day spend in the office or on site. This is not a nine to five job and sometimes extra hours are spent in the office before or after work but the job comes with benefits in itself to create a healthy balance in life.

From day one I was given a team of 'Snags & Outstanding Works' men to manage throughout the project. Working cohesively with their Supervisor and Project Manager we worked our way down from various floors of the project. As I became more comfortable with the role, I was too given the opportunity to manage a team of Builderswork in Connection operatives again working our way through the project. Instructed works were too thrown over from time to time in order for me to manage until completion and handover.

I have been able to take so much practical knowledge back to university with me in order to complete my last year of studies. Looking at what I have experienced on site will help me in lectures and assignments, let alone my dissertation which throughout the placement I had been given constant advice and future guidance with from all stakeholders involved.

The atmosphere in the office when I first arrived was a busy but controlled and relaxed environment which was fun to speak to different areas of the project and yet work effectively. By the end of the placement as the job was starting to gather pace, the office was a very busy and serious environment where pressure was evident yet still everyone was kind, friendly and still fun.

Overall, the placement was very well organised and I felt very much part of a plan which was put together by professionals who were dedicated in giving me and others a fantastic experience. From day one everything was set up for me i.e. laptop, accounts and email and I was led from the beginning by my mentor as to how this placement will work.

I had to complete various different training courses as soon as I went to site and the team also encouraged me to partake in extra courses to further my skills and abilities whilst I was on site during the placement. Different training schemes were available for me to register myself on to either relating to the company or to the construction industry as a whole.

After leaving a somewhat good impression on with the site and the company, I have been offered Sponsorship during my last year at university. I will continue to have access to both the site and the company during this year and should I meet certain requirements after I graduate, I have been invited to join the Graduate Development Programme from the company.

There was a very good social scene with my fellow students/colleagues throughout the placement. Some where organised between us i.e. drinks out in London between different projects and some where organised by the Head Office in order for us to keep in touch. There was too a great social scene on site with lots of trips to pubs for team bonding and supply chain achievements.

Being in Central London the cost of living and socialising were expensive as already known however bearing in mind I was being paid during my placement this was only an insight as to what life would be like should I be working full-time for a company such as this in a place such as this in the future. The company too went out of its way to give as much as possible when out on social events too.

There was not much nightlife where I worked but being in Central London it only takes a five minute walk around the corner in order to find a place to be for the night. The team knew exactly where to go and I found myself exploring parts of the capital which have left their mark and has opened another area for myself to consider in the future.

Mace have so many extra opportunities to get involved outside of work and so many incentives to keep adding and contributing to local/greater communities so I always found myself being asked to be part of something be it bicycle rides or volunteering. There is always something happening somewhere.