I strongly believe that without the talent and dedication of its people, a company cannot succeed. Therefore, it is essential to invest in colleague development and ensure future leaders are nurtured from within. Our commitment to apprenticeships has underpinned this belief.
We recognise that each individual plays a vital role in the OCS journey, whether they serve on the front lines or behind the scenes and that it is only by developing the talent within our organisation that we can achieve our ambitious growth objectives. Our apprenticeship programme has long provided an environment in which colleagues can build their careers and become the leaders of tomorrow.
Apprenticeships as a Pathway to Growth
The apprenticeships offered by OCS are more than just training programmes, they are treated as direct pathways to sustainable careers. Each of our 12 targeted development pathways is designed with both our business and customers in mind, ensuring that apprentices gain not only qualifications but also confidence, improved performance, and a sense of responsibility. This approach reflects our belief in the value of continued learning. Our apprenticeships span various sectors, including Catering, Cleaning, Security, Finance and Accounting, as well as Information and Communications Technology and Technical/Engineering disciplines.
Fostering Young Talent
One of our key focuses is to attract more young talent into OCS, and we are eager to expand the number of apprentices between 16 to 18. This is an important part of our growth strategy, especially in sectors like Security and Cleaning, where we anticipate significant expansion in the coming years. New entry-level apprenticeships in these fields have recently been approved by the Department for Education, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in these critical areas.
The OCSi Academy: A Commitment to Upskilling
The launch of our OCSi Academy this time last year represented a new chapter in our dedication to upskilling our colleagues. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, and customers are looking to leverage data for operational efficiency, it is critical that our teams stay ahead of the curve. The Academy offers a comprehensive programme of apprenticeships focused on developing a range of cutting-edge skills to ensure colleagues thrive in a dynamic work environment.
Our mechanical and electrical engineering apprenticeships provide hands-on skills in areas vital to potential careers in these sectors with OCS. Alternatively, we also offer a one-of-a-kind apprenticeship in facilities management where apprentices can gain expertise in asset management, operations, and sustainability. This is just a small example of the programmes available. Thus, the breadth of programmes on offer underpins OCS’s commitment to developing versatile professionals across a variety of fields because we understand everybody has unique strengths.
Our 15-month data apprenticeship programme, created in partnership with Multiverse, a leader in applied learning is an example of how impactful the apprenticeship programme is to OCS. The programme addresses this desire to improve OCS’ data efficiency by ensuring apprentices have the tools they need to handle data confidently and competently, which is vital in today’s digital world. We created the programme in response to survey data from our colleagues where 91% of respondents expressed a desire to improve their data skills, citing the need to manage data more effectively to enhance both operational efficiency and performance.
The skills gained through this apprenticeship will not only benefit the colleagues in the OCSi Academy but also enables colleagues to assist others in their teams, creating a ripple effect of knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
A Broader Vision for Social Mobility
Social mobility underpins so much of what we do, and our apprenticeship programme is yet another reflection of this. We aim to break down barriers to career progression and create opportunities for all our colleagues. This goal is made more attainable through our apprenticeship programme by providing an environment where colleagues have access to the training and support they need regardless of their background.
In addition to our apprenticeship scheme, the recent relaunch of the OCS Foundation also focuses on breaking cycles of disadvantage through education, employment, and skills development, empowering individuals and promoting social mobility. Through strategic partnerships, it tackles poverty and environmental issues, aiming for long-term, sustainable impact. Dan Barber, our Group Chief Communications Officer, will share more about this comprehensive, inclusive approach in the future.
Building for the Future
Our apprenticeships are not just about filling immediate gaps in our workforce; they are an investment in the future of OCS. We have seen remarkable results from our focus on apprenticeships in a relatively short period and are committed to expanding these opportunities across the business. As we continue to grow, both in the UK and Ireland and beyond, apprenticeships will remain central to our strategy.
We know that the future belongs to those who are willing to invest in it and our apprenticeships are proof of that commitment. By empowering our colleagues with the skills they need to excel, we are building stronger teams and contributing more effectively to the customers and colleagues we serve.
