National Apprentice Week

February 7th, 2022

Written by Katy Maude

As an apprentice myself, I can confidently say that ACS has given me a life-changing opportunity. From sixth form to college courses, and even a term at university, I still had no idea what I wanted to do career wise. Since being part of the marketing team, I have started taking on projects of my own, which has been amazing for not only my learning and creativity but my confidence too. When meeting the ACS team, I instantly felt the fun, vibrant, hard-working nature of the company. I never thought I’d say this, but I really do enjoy coming to work.

ACS have been taking in apprentices since 2014, in a variety of departments, from customer services and purchasing to marketing and sales. As a company, they strive to provide opportunity and endless support to those who want to kick start their career in business. The ACS Sales Academy launched in June 2021. Since then, Leon Oakley, Head of Training and Compliance, has navigated our apprentices to achieve their goals and become not only full-time employees but valuable members of the ACS team. All our 30+ apprentices have received high level training and an outstanding 73% of the Sales Academy have gone on to be hired, which is above the national average.

During the process, apprentices are streamed into a business department that best matches their skillset. This means that each apprentice has had their own unique journey.

“Where to begin... I started working at ACS in September, since then my life has changed for the best. The people, the culture and the excitement of coming into work makes ACS a joy to work at. I feel like I am a valued member of an ever-growing company. I started off in general sales but in the first 3 months the Interiors team found interest in my creativity and eye for detail. Since then, I am now a full-time member of the interiors team; a team that has big plans of expansion. For me ACS is one big family, and I can’t thank them enough for all the love and support I have already been shown as an apprentice.”

- Adam Wurzal, Current Apprentice

An apprenticeship is not only an amazing way to delve into a successful career in your chosen industry, but throughout the process you get the chance to earn while you learn. As an apprentice you will receive highly recognisable qualifications, which improves your employability to future companies, all while gaining respect and independence along the way! Working for a company comes with responsibility and having the confidence to execute your new working role, to the best of your ability, will provide you with both respect and appreciation from your colleagues. Building these relationships is essential within any working environment.

Ryan Earnshaw started off as an Apprentice in the MIS team, he is now our full time Website Developer. Ryan has also earned the title of ‘Mini Steve Jobs’ by our Managing Director.

“I started at ACS in September of 2015, as a quiet 17-year-old. I was quickly taken in as one of the ACS family, and my first few months were nothing like I'd expected - they were fun, exciting, and engaging, and it really helped me to come out of my shell. When you join the workforce, most people dream of having a decent boss and great colleagues, and at ACS I couldn't have asked for better. It really is like working with people you've known your whole life. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better place to work, and I don't know anyone who works here that wouldn't agree.”