Meet our apprentice: Ben Woods

Meet ACS Construction Group apprentice Ben Woods, who is training to be a Quantity Surveyor.

Q: What stage are you at in school?

A: I’m currently in year twelve, studying at sixth form.

Q: What stage are you at in your career?

A: I originally went to Aquinas College in Stockport to study Maths, Financial Studies, and Business. I then decided that I wanted to get onto the career ladder instead, to work and earn a wage. I joined ACS Construction in March 2020.

Q: Tell us about your role at ACS?

A:I spend two days onsite, a day at Stockport College, and then two days in the office. When I’m office-based, I help with quantity surveying, getting involved with estimating or helping with contract orders to make sure all budgets are on track. I also help, commercially, by keeping records of our contracts and subcontract orders.

Q: How long is your apprenticeship course?

A:Five years – I wish I had decided to do an apprenticeship when I finished school. My first year at college was about construction in general and my second year covers quantity surveying. I’ll be spending two years doing an HNC, then an HND for one year, with a final two years at the University of Salford. When I finish, I’ll be 24 years old.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

A: I enjoy being onsite and seeing what’s being done, especially when it’s all coming together. Communication is easy with the team in the office, and I feel comfortable in asking people questions. I like learning at college, too, because it helps to connect everything that I’m doing in the workplace.

Q: Why did you want to work with ACS Construction?

A: Someone I know referred me to them, so I applied and had an interview with the MD, Paul Grady. He showed me the different apprenticeships available, and, after looking at my maths and finance skillset, we decided that quantity surveying was best suited to me.

Q: Where will your apprenticeship take you next?

A: I’m going to continue quantity surveying and complete my degree. Then I want to work towards my RICS qualification. I enjoy working for ACS Construction as they’ve invested in me, and I’d like to contribute back to them.

Q: What do you like doing outside of work?

A: Playing five-a-side football and watching Manchester United.