National Apprentice Week

February 6th, 2023

Written by Katy Maude

Happy National Apprentice week!

A week to celebrate the young talent of today. Apprentices around the globe are what keep us moving forward in the business world - and with 26% of the business aged between 16-25 it goes without saying that our Academy Apprentices are essential members of the ACS team.

ACS Academy Leader

Leon Oakley, People Manager, has the role of navigating our apprentices through the apprenticeship programme. Leon makes a real difference to the apprentice journey, his guidance, caring nature, and continued support are what sees our apprentices grow to become valuable members of the company.

“Having responsibility for the apprentices is something I take very seriously, as the apprenticeship programme represents the future of the company.

As an organisation, we have supported the apprenticeship route for over 8 years now, but in the past 2 years, we have made a conscious effort to utilise the Apprentice Academy throughout each area of the business.

I feel that our apprenticeship programme provides real jobs and real experience that would not have been gained through studying alone, preparing our apprentices for a career at ACS and beyond.”

- Leon Oakley

Young Professional of the Year 2022

When an apprentice joins the ACS Academy, they are guided through the business to find the perfect role for them. Saf joined the ACS Apprenticeship programme last August as a Sales Apprentice, however after a few months in sales, his manager recognised that his speciality was in IT. Saf was then offered to work within the Tech team to help push and utilise his knowledge.

A position for a new Tech Engineer became available, and Saf was put forward for the role! Since the start of July Saf has taken on his new role, managing internal issues, working on projects for customers, and upgrading/installing machines - this has all been done through a level 4 networking apprenticeship. Saf’s hard work and seamless transition into the team saw him win last years’ Young Professional of the Year!

Get to know some of our apprentices and what they enjoy most about being part of the ACS Academy -

“I really like how everyone is friendly within the company. As an apprentice, this allows me to form relationships with others who are in the same position as me and helps me get more comfortable within the company.”

- Neve Smith, Helpdesk Apprentice

“Being an ACS Apprentice enables me to experience what it’s like to work in a professional work environment. This time next year I would have hopefully completed my level 3 apprenticeship and moved on to the degree apprenticeship. I also hope to gain a lot more responsibilities from the company within the coming year.”

- Hasaan Samad, Sales Admin Apprentice

“Learning from my colleagues is what I love most about being an apprentice at ACS - Everyone is so knowledgeable in their field and always willing to offer support when I'm stuck”

- Sophie Fuller, Inventory Stock Controller Apprentice

“I would describe my apprenticeship so far as very valuable as it allows me to gain work experience and specialist skills while in a friendly, working environment. I enjoy the feeling of being part of a team and being supported in my journey to completing my apprenticeship. I see myself gaining much more knowledge regarding the systems and processes we use to become an experienced member of the customer service team.”

- Will Thornber, Customer Services Apprentice

We are a people-centric business and believe that everyone has a valuable role to play. The true talent and hard-working nature of our younger members of staff doesn’t go unnoticed – and we look forward to seeing the progression of the Apprentice Academy in the coming years.

ACS Group
Kismet Buildings
Otley Road, Baildon
BD17 7HB

ACS Technology Group. Registered in England & Wales.
Registered office: Kismet Buildings, Otley Road, Baildon, BD17 7HB
Company No: 06584936