ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

UK-based facilities services provider OCShas made a commitment to increase its number of apprenticeship placements in the UK and Ireland to over 1,000 in the next 12-months, along with making investments in its funded learning programme.

The company has experienced a 140 per cent growth in the uptake of its apprenticeships over the past year and aims to continue this upwards trajectory by offering opportunities for each of its service lines - facilities management, security, pest control, cleaning, catering and hospitality and hard services.

OCS currently offers 12 professional pathways and 39 programmes to support its business units. In addition to its service lines, this includes opportunities in management and leadership, coaching and mentoring, and customer service and sales. With a focus on investing in the development and upskilling its internal colleagues, these pathways and programmes are open to both employees and external candidates.

Toni Marie-Vaughan, head of social mobility at OCS UK and Ireland, commented: "Whilst it's important that we continue to open up more opportunities for people who are looking to develop, our priority will always remain on the quality of programmes delivered. We are working with a number of partners to help do this.

"Additionally, we have made further investments into our online training modules which are delivered through the OCS Academy. Learners can tap into all kinds of programmes in addition to the training that is structured around the pathway they have chosen. Along with e-learning and on-the-job training, learners can expect regular line management meetings and coaching conversations, time for studying away from practical training, and progress reports," she added.

Daniel Dickson, chief executive officer at OCS UK and Ireland, said: "It's exciting that we operate in an industry which can provide opportunities for further development within many different career paths. Our apprenticeship scheme and funded learning pathways are accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, gender, background, level of education or experience."