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

Acorn Analytical Services works alongside businesses, councils, schools and hospitals across the country to make sure buildings are free from the health risks of asbestos.

It employs more than 30 staff at its bases in Northampton and Birmingham and in the past few weeks has recruited three new trainees as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of asbestos consultants.

Shane Richardson, 24, and Jake Newell, 21, who are both from Northampton, and Charlie Dalby, 20, of Oakham have all received a full induction into the industry, have begun accompanying the firm’s highly qualified surveyors and analysts on site visits and have 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 the past few 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 finding high calibre asbestos consultants in the UK isn’t as easy as people might expect. Often those in need of asbestos management services can find it very difficult to find the right level of asbestos consultant 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.

“By training employees the ‘Acorn Way’ we can be confident that they are providing clients with asbestos management services of the highest standard.

“We’re also 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 be 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 or for advice on asbestos and asbestos training call 0844 818 0895.