At ACS, we take pride in championing all our colleagues, ensuring everyone in our workforce has access to training and support to help them become the best, most well-rounded version of themselves.
This week, as we celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women in our sector. However, the statistics show there’s still work to do. Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (analysed by the government) reveals that in 2022–23, men made up the majority of students in most STEM subjects. Women are also less likely than men to begin an apprenticeship in a STEM field, with analysis from Engineering UK showing that in 2023–24, women accounted for just 17% of engineering and technology-related apprenticeship starts in England.
To help drive change, we’re handing over our platform to the brilliant women of ACS as they champion the industry and inspire more women to pursue careers in construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Here’s what they have to say about working at ACS and their hopes for the industry…
Chrissy Farnell, Business Development Manager: “ACS is a great place to work, and I particularly admire the open door policy that the management initiated. It encourages everyone to be involved and feel included in decisions, with our ideas always being warmly received.
“My job covers a multitude of responsibilities including managing the accounts, quoting and doing our best to win jobs and basically being available to assist where needed. It’s busy and sociable and I love dealing with my customers, they’re what I enjoy most about my role. It’s all about building a rapport with them and maintaining a relationship which I find a natural and organic part of the process and fits well with my personality. They look after me and I look after them, it’s fundamental to the success of my job.”
Kate Robertson Hart, Marketing Director: “It’s an honour to champion women in this sector. For too long, we’ve been underrepresented, but at ACS, we’re changing that, whether it’s me in marketing or my technical and sales colleagues across the business. We’re committed to investing in women, providing access to training, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The result is a talented workforce of brilliant women who are shining examples of professionals in construction, manufacturing, and engineering.”
Shakeela Ismail, Internal Account Manager: “I’m still fairly new to ACS, but I’ve settled in quickly and really enjoy being part of the team. I’m surrounded by great colleagues, including inspiring women, and have the opportunity to work with brilliant clients every day.”
Katie Rejdych, Goods In Co-Ordinator: “I work on the factory floor of a manufacturing business, an area that has traditionally lacked female representation. But at ACS, I’ve been given the opportunity to play a central role in our operations, supported by training and resources that have given me the confidence to grow my career.
“I love working here and hope to see more women choosing careers at the heart of manufacturing.”
Noor Haddad, Specification and Design Manager: “I really enjoy my job and am constantly learning from the people around me who all specialise in different areas. It helps to evolve my own skillset and as our areas overlap, we can share our knowledge and work to create the best result for our clients. ACS is a great place to work, I love that it’s a family business with everyone encouraged to progress in the area they want to. I feel very supported and comfortable to communicate my ideas, and there’s a really nice atmosphere with everyone, directors included stopping to chat and build a rapport.”
Anna Hryniewiecka, our Technical Training and Quality Manager: “It wasn’t that long ago that our sector was really under-represented by females, but thankfully that’s changing at ACS; it’s fantastic to be a part of that. However I don’t place too much emphasis on it in my role, I want to meet each person and work with them to help them do their job. That said, historically there has always been the undertone that as a woman in a man’s world, you aren’t as capable as they are. I’m glad to say it’s got better although there’s always work to be done!
“It’s become a lot easier as a woman, there’s more of us and a wealth of young talent coming through. ACS has a fantastic infrastructure with many facilities and opportunities, as a company they are committed to bringing through the next generation and have a good understanding of employee’s needs.
“I hope to have many more fruitful years at ACS.”
Tori Leigh Speak, Apprentice Technical Engineer: “ACS is a great place to work. Everyone is here to do their best and work together, it’s a great environment to be in. I’ve never felt undervalued, and I was surprised and happy to be involved in meetings with people at all levels; there’s a really personal feeling about it with everyone encouraged to be involved and I really appreciate that.”
Article originally published on 7th March 2025