How I became a technician; my apprenticeship path at ACS – by Lewis Thompson

Building Experience Through Hands-On Learning

I joined ACS after a year at the Leeds College of Building because I knew university wasn’t for me. Instead, I enrolled at Leeds College of Building, completing a Level 4 HNC course. During my studies I learned about companies offering real career-pathways, which led me to research ACS. 

From my first day at ACS, I was part of a six-department rotation. Over twelve months I worked across the business – from administration, supply chain and customer service to manufacturing and technical support. That early exposure meant I got to understand every facet of the company: how orders come in, how our products are designed, manufactured and supplied. It helped me appreciate the full scope of what ACS does. 

Achieving Professional Milestones

Eventually I moved into the manufacturing-drawings department. This involves preparing the technical drawings used to fabricate our products – a critical link between design and manufacturing. I quickly realised how much precision and accuracy matter, and I grew to love that work. It was in this role that I gained a deeper understanding of our production capabilities and standards. 

In June 2025 I successfully completed my apprenticeship and earned a Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering. I also became a technician-level member of Institution of Civil Engineers. These qualifications, combined with hands-on experience, mean I now work full-time on approval drawings and masonry support projects. 

Taking on this role has helped me become more confident and versatile when speaking with colleagues across different teams as well as with clients. I’ve learned to navigate complex problem-solving situations and adapt as our industry (and ACS!) evolves. 

Over the past year I’ve had the privilege of: 

• Delivering a STEM presentation at a local high school about apprenticeships and career pathways in construction; 

• Adapting the winning design from our annual Steel Soldiers charity campaign into a full-scale steel sculpture that’s now displayed nationwide; 

• Supporting the redevelopment of our Certus™ modular brick-slip system by helping optimise material sourcing and improve workflow – reducing delays for clients and cutting costs. 

• Helped to guide and advise another three technical apprentices through their end point assessment of which they all passed. 

These experiences have given me skills beyond just design and drafting – but also project management, communication, problem-solving, and mentoring.