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 Rafael:
How would you describe your first impressions of OCS?
Everyone seemed very approachable, and there was a real sense of team nature.
What were you doing before you joined OCS?
I was working and studying as a personal trainer and worked as a care assistant right before joining OCS.
What department are you stationed at to start with?
Corporate operations.
How are you finding it so far?
I find it very interesting to learn business operations as this is my first time in this type of field and there is a lot to learn for me.
Is there anything you’ve been shocked/surprised to learn about? If so, what?
The influence and the rapid growth of the company are a lot more eye-opening now that I am a part of the company.
What are your main responsibilities in your department?
Study the trajectory of the company, identify patterns and collaborate with customers and learn to deliver the best services possible.
What are your impressions of your colleagues and the team you’ve been put in?
Everyone seems very committed to the cause and it is a great group to be around.
What are you hoping to get out of the apprenticeship?
Develop my business mind, develop my ability to work with people and lead projects in a way that everyone’s ability and input can be magnified.
Do you have any career aspirations? If so, please share
I aspire to go into project management, and I believe this apprenticeship will help tremendously in beginning my career.
Summarise your first few weeks at OCS in three words.
Learning, progress, future. This is very exciting for me!
