As part of our social value commitments, we’ve outlined a roadmap of activities to ensure the empowerment and preservation of the environments and communities we work in. One of our latest such initiatives is the launch of a business management apprenticeship programme as an alternative to higher education, where apprentices can earn as they learn. In September, we were delighted to welcome four new apprentices to our thousand-strong apprentice cohort: Flynn, Bobby, Rafael and Jacob. The four apprentices will embark on an 18-month programme that will see them learn the ropes of the facilities management industry with bi-monthly department rotations to give them a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate.
To mark the launch, we sat down with the apprentices to learn about their experiences so far and their hopes for the programme. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Bobby:
How would you describe your first impressions of OCS?
It felt like a genuinely nice environment when I first stepped into the workplace; everyone was extremely friendly and helpful with the simplest things, like how to use the hot water tap.
What were you doing before you joined OCS’s Business Management Apprenticeship?
I was in sixth form completing my A levels and spent some of this past summer working in hospitality as a front-of-house staff member for a local café/restaurant.
What department are you stationed at to start with?
I am stationed in the catering department, based in the Royal Papworth Hospital.
How are you finding it so far?
Very informative. It’s interesting how all the different catering aspects rely on each other. That’s something I will continue to learn about during the rest of my time at Papworth Hospital.
Is there anything you’ve been shocked/surprised to learn about? If so, what?
There haven’t been any major shocks or surprises, but learning the realities of customer service and the consequences of things going wrong if certain criteria aren’t fulfilled has definitely been noted.
What are your main responsibilities in your department?
For my first week at Papworth, I have been working with the front-of-house team to deliver customer service, so I’ve done a mixture of till and food service work, which all involves customer engagement. I have also been present in different monthly and quarterly reviews with the customer and internally, showing both sides of the business very well. I have also been supporting the team with new menu development, applying new knowledge of different systems, such as Saffron, to help transition to a new seasonal menu.
What are your impressions of your colleagues and the team you’ve been assigned?
In both the senior leadership team and the front-of-house team at Papworth, everyone has been very welcoming and kind to me, always willing to help and always professional.
What are you hoping to get out of the apprenticeship?
I hope to add to my skills and experience, which can help me rise through the ranks at OCS and grow as a person and within the company.
Do you have any career aspirations? If so, please share
I aspire to be in a position of responsibility, which has a level of entrepreneurship. I want something I can look forward to doing when I wake up in the mornings.
Summarise your first few weeks at OCS in three words.
Exciting new times.
