Introduction
As part of our dedication to social mobility, OCS works with a variety of strategic partners through our People into Work (PiW) team to help with OCS’ commitment to provide sustainable employment and help people who face barriers to employment, back into work.
Our partnerships extend further and can be ran at a contract level – 3 years ago our team at the NEC in Birmingham formed a strategic partnership with Pilot IMS to launch a traineeship or Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) offered to anyone over the age of 19 who is out of work and looking for a role in security. The traineeship lasts on average 3 weeks and provides candidates with: elements of customer service training, door supervisor training, emergency first aid at work certificate, spectator safety level 2. The candidates will also have several days of observation on site to shadow a security team member.
Our partnership with PilotIMS and other strategic partners has meant that candidates who have been faced with these challenges (long-term unemployment or barriers to work) have been provided the means to build confidence and purpose once again helping them to gain the skills required to get back into work.
Tarik’s Journey
In 2024 one of our People into Work partners Reed in Partnership referred a candidate – Tarik to the scheme. Tarik had been going through a period of long-term unemployment and was keen to build up his skills and confidence to get back into work.
In January 2024, Tarik went through the training programme and successfully secured security role with OCS.
Tarik also worked at some high-profile events at the ICC impressing management staff. The work ethic and attitude Tarik showed, impressed OCS management that they started the process to offer him a full-time role with OCS.
Today, Tarik works as part of the traffic security division at OCS and is a highly valued member of the team.
Speaking with the contract Tarik said: “It’s been life changing coming here, this is like my family.”
