Investing in the next generation of asbestos consultants

An award-winning firm at the forefront of tackling the UK’s asbestos problem has expanded its workforce.

Acorn Analytical Services, which works alongside businesses, councils, schools and hospitals across the country to make sure buildings are free from the health risks of asbestos, has recruited three new trainees as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of asbestos consultants.

Shane Richardson and Jake Newell,  who are both from Northampton, and Charlie Dalby, of Oakham, have all received a full induction into the industry and begun accompanying the firm’s highly qualified surveyors and analysts on site visits. They have also taken their first set of examinations.

Acorn director Ian Stone said:

“The UK relied on asbestos as a building material for decades which means there are properties up and down our country, including homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals, that continue to harbour this potentially fatal substance.

“As a result, the risk of people being exposed to asbestos here will continue to be high for a long time to come, which is why our management team has invested thousands of pounds in training the next generation of specialist asbestos consultants.

“We’re delighted to welcome Shane, Jake and Charlie to Acorn and to see how well they are doing with their training. The long-term goal is for them to become fully qualified consultants and we look forward to watching them develop their careers at Acorn.”

In recent years, six other Acorn trainees have gone on to become fully qualified asbestos consultants and two-thirds of them have chosen to continue their career with the firm.

Fellow Acorn director Neil Munro added:

“The reality is that finding high-calibre asbestos consultants in the UK isn’t as easy as people might expect because the skills required to do this specialist job are bespoke to our industry and you can’t study at college or university to become an asbestos consultant.

“We work hard to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos and our expert team provides a full asbestos support service to ensure our clients’ risk from asbestos is correctly managed, repaired or removed quickly and on budget. By training employees the ‘Acorn Way’ we can be confident that they are providing clients with asbestos management services of the highest standard.

“Being an asbestos consultant is hugely satisfying – particularly when you’re helping people during emergencies. You also get to travel and see behind the scenes in lots of organisations. There are good progression opportunities, the job is never boring, no two days are the same and there’s the opportunity to gain lots of qualifications.

“We’re very proud to be investing in such talented young people and providing job opportunities at a time when so many people are struggling to secure skilled employment. More than anything though, we are proud to know that by investing in the next generation of asbestos consultants, we are going to help save more lives.”

For further information about joining Acorn’s award-winning team visit www.acorn-as.com/careers