OCS has partnered with the University of Suffolk to launch a degree apprenticeship programme, opening new routes into specialist careers within the Suffolk-based UK headquarters.
Building Skills for the Future
Degree apprenticeships will play a key role in strengthening OCS’s future workforce capability. The programme enables the business to attract high-potential talent and develop specialist skills in areas such as project management, data science and digital transformation. It also builds career pathways to support long-term retention and succession planning.
Apprentices combine academic learning with practical workplace experience. They contribute to the business from day one while developing the professional knowledge and behaviours needed for future leadership and specialist roles.
A Partnership Rooted in the Region
OCS UK & Ireland is headquartered in Ipswich, and the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to the communities where it operates. By creating degree apprenticeship opportunities, OCS and the University of Suffolk are offering local people an alternative route into professional careers, combining university-level education with hands-on workplace training.
The University of Suffolk is based on the waterfront in Ipswich and was established as an independent university in 2016. It’s known for its high-quality teaching, contemporary campus and strong student satisfaction. Its mission is to transform lives and the region through education, research, business and community engagement. Degree apprenticeships form part of that wider ambition: ensuring all students gain genuine work experience and leave university “work ready”. By combining study with paid employment, apprenticeships also support the government’s drive to expand degree apprenticeship opportunities and build skills in key industries.
The partnership supports social mobility and strengthens the regional skills base. It also helps build a sustainable pipeline of future leaders and specialists for OCS.
This partnership with the University of Suffolk is about building the future of OCS. Investing in the next generation of talent gives us the specialist skills we need for the years ahead, while giving people in local communities a genuine route into a career with real prospects.
CEO UK & Ireland
OCS has a long-term commitment to staff development, and we are delighted to be partnering with the team to develop the talent of its apprentices. As a civic university, we are committed to developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours for apprentices to thrive in their careers, and this collaboration marks the beginning of a partnership which will support the future skills in facilities management.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Careers, Commercial and Academic – University of Suffolk
This marks the start of a long-term partnership between OCS and the University of Suffolk, with both organisations committed to developing skills and talent across the region for years to come.
