Shape Your Future with Acorn Analytical Services

In the 5 years since starting with Acorn I have progressed from Report Writing Administrator to Development Manager and during this time I have been provided with various opportunities for additional training and support to assist with my career progression including Asbestos Awareness Training, Fire Marshall training and an Asbestos Dutyholders Training course which was offered to all employees at the time.  After I was promoted to Business Manager I was given weekly 1 to 1 meetings with at least one of the directors where I could raise any issues I’ve been having with the new role and they would offer advice and guidance. This has been a huge source of support for me and has helped me develop as a manager.

Serena Berry, Business Manager

Coming in as an experienced surveyor 6 years ago I’d had 3 inductions previously on how other companies work and train their staff but nothing compared to Acorns it was in-depth and outlined what was expected and the main goal was quality and teamwork, the training I was provided has helped me now have a role in the training and auditing team providing the best knowledge and experience on to new trainees and colleagues. The help, training and advice I have received has really helped me grow as a consultant and it’s a privilege to work in such a great team.

Dan Crask - Business Operations Manager

Acorn has helped me develop so many skills since I started.  I started as a trainee asbestos consultant and now currently an asbestos Analyst.

Our company induction gave me a wide understanding of what we do and how we do it. Covering legislation/health and safety to our Acorn’s asbestos antidote to a normal day as and analyst/surveyor

The Internal training was very good. Having the senior consultants and surveyors showing me their way of learning and working, gave me a great understanding of becoming an Analyst. Also our company audits us on site to make sure we are doing our job to company standards.

The external training was great as well, I went on a 3 day course passing my P403 in Asbestos air sampling and P404 in 4SC procedures. Also passed my CSCS card.

Jake Newell, Asbestos Analyst

Since I started here I have had excellent support from both Serena and Kristina in regards to training and making sure I understand and am comfortable in what I am to be doing. They are both great managers and I never find myself stuck with anything as their advice is always spot on.

I have had the opportunity to go to site to help my understanding of the site work (which I am very appreciative of as I haven’t had this in any other asbestos company I have worked for.

I also get to use different systems (CAD, bespoke client portals, Tracker, Visio etc.) and both Kristina and/or Serena will sit and thoroughly show me how to use them so I understand them fully before completing my work.

Charli Cook, Asbestos Reporting Manager

The training that I have received since starting at Acorn 8 years ago has been amazing. From my yearly Asbestos awareness training other to in-house courses covering how we undertake surveys, removal project management, duty holder responsibilities and even assistance from the Directors and my other Senior Management colleagues on a day to day basis when it comes to pricing for work - looking through various plans for one project is really hard work when you aren’t a qualified Asbestos consultant but they can help to explain anything that I cannot see myself and I have gone from being able to price for small surveys to now pricing larger works and works that entail multiple jobs.

Our site staff receive monthly training in the office which is also used as a Q&A session if they have any questions that they would like answering as well as being able to provide feedback both from the staff side and equally from a management point of view. These are always positive sessions as we can see where improvements can be made to better the company even more.

On top of the monthly training sessions, we have an amazing Quality and Training Manager who regularly audits our site staff throughout the year in order to get them signed off to undertake different types of works but also as part of our UKAS accreditation. He is very much liked by all staff at Acorn and his expertise are greatly appreciated by not only the site staff but also the office staff.

If I have any questions or need anything explained to me, no-one hesitates to help and I have been offered to be given training to prep for an asbestos qualification by one of the directors in the future. This has been offered to other members of staff who have then gone on to further their knowledge and skills by sitting accredited training courses to further them in their careers which in turn enables for internal promotion.

Sian Stone, Head of Sales

The learning and development at Acorn is outstanding. Personally starting at the company as a trainee Acorn gave me the opportunity to take a course to become qualified in asbestos surveying. I received a lot of training and support from management and from my colleagues on site leading up to my exams. Once qualified Acorn gives you plenty of opportunities to expand your career, whether it is getting signed off on more in-depth surveys as a surveyor or giving you the opportunity to gain more qualifications.

Liam Judge, Asbestos Surveyor

As far as other internal training I did feel supported when Ian, Paul and Neil provided those evening sessions in order to help people who were willing to undertake the P405 learn more about it and prepare for it. I feel that was a good thing and would be open to undertaking that training again, in order to progress on to the examination. Some people learn best studying from a textbook, however I feel more reassured by sharing experiences and practices face to face and feel that suits my learning style the best.

External training - The external training I have experienced is the refresher training. I do feel this is telling us what we already know however I am happy to confess that I find his facts, asbestos news, changes in practice/legislation and HSE news insightful and a real reminder of the consequences of our day to day surveys.

Taryn Moreland, Asbestos Surveyor

The training and on-site learning I have received from my time at Acorn Analytical Services have changed and progressed me into a better and more competent surveyor and now a fully qualified analyst. 

Matthew Townsend, Asbestos Consultant