OCS Group’s apprenticeship programme, launched in 2024, aims to build a strong talent pipeline within the facilities management (FM) sector, specifically targeting young apprentices aged 18-19.
The scheme is designed to provide apprentices with a comprehensive introduction to the FM industry while developing future leaders through exposure to a wide range of roles in both operational and corporate functions.
Programme overview
The apprenticeship programme offers an 18-month journey, which started in October 2024, where apprentices rotate through eight-week stints in various FM operations and corporate departments. These include cleaning, catering, pest control, HR, finance, and project management. The rotations are designed to give apprentices a well-rounded understanding of the FM industry, helping them to identify their strengths and career preferences.
Challenges and solutions
Implementing the scheme required meticulous planning to ensure that apprentices received meaningful learning experiences across different departments without overlap. Coordinating rotations, conducting site visits, and engaging with key stakeholders were crucial to the success of the programme. One challenge identified was managing apprentices’ expectations around tasks such as cleaning, which are essential to their learning but may have initially seemed less appealing. Clear communication about the purpose and value of these tasks helped mitigate any concerns.
Delivered in partnership with a key training provider, the programme is tailored for Ipswich-based contracts, ensuring logistical feasibility. Apprentices are guided by experienced professionals, skills coaches and the Learning and Development team, who are deeply involved in the structure and delivery of the programme.
Success stories
Feedback from supervisors has been overwhelmingly positive, with one apprentice receiving exceptional praise for their performance, with a supervisor commenting that they would make an excellent facilities manager in the future. The apprentices have embraced the programme, with some even requesting extensions to their time in specific rotations, further demonstrating their commitment and eagerness to learn.
Benefits for apprentices
The programme offers a wealth of benefits for apprentices, from exposure to various roles within the FM sector, to developing a versatile skill set. The structure encourages self-discovery, helping apprentices identify their interests and career paths. While apprentices are on fixed-term contracts, OCS aims to offer full-time positions to those who successfully complete the programme. Furthermore, the scheme offers opportunities for further professional development, such as pursuing qualifications in AAT (offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians) or CIMA (offered by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), depending on the apprentices’ interests.
Shaping a brighter future for people and places
OCS is committed to expanding the Group apprenticeship programme. Discussions are underway to improve the structure of the scheme based on learnings from the first round of apprenticeships, which will ensure a smoother process for future cohorts.
The success of the programme is largely attributed to the collaborative efforts of OCS’s operational and HR teams, who worked together to provide an invaluable experience for the apprentices.
Through this initiative, OCS Group is not only addressing the current skills gap within the FM industry but also investing in the next generation of leaders who will help drive the organisation’s success for years to come.
