O.C.O celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

O.C.O is strengthening its commitment to employee development through a successful partnership with Activate Learning, an award-winning training provider delivering Leadership and Management apprenticeship programmes across the UK.

The collaboration enables O.C.O to invest directly in the skills, confidence and long-term career progression of its workforce. By combining structured learning with practical, on-the-job experience, the programme supports colleagues in developing the capabilities required to lead high-performing teams.

Developing Team Leaders from Within

O.C.O currently offers the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship, a qualification equivalent to two A-levels. The 18-month programme is designed to equip participants with the tools to effectively train, support and manage teams, while strengthening their understanding of performance management and operational leadership.

At present, three O.C.O colleagues are completing the apprenticeship, applying their learning in real time across the business. The programme requires 360 hours of off-the-job learning alongside participants’ day-to-day responsibilities, ensuring that new skills are embedded into everyday practice.

The initiative is supported through the Government’s apprenticeship levy, enabling O.C.O to make continued investment in workforce development.

Real Impact on the Shop Floor

Dan, who recently completed the apprenticeship, described the experience as both challenging and highly rewarding.

“You are assigned a mentor from day one, and they help to put it into perspective. At first it was daunting when you consider that it’s an 18-month programme, with 360 hours of ‘off-the-job’ learning alongside your normal role, but it quickly becomes clear that it is all manageable and achievable from the start.

It helped me to understand how other people manage situations and their thought process – it opened me to another way of thinking about things. I could be taught a skill in a workshop that morning and that afternoon I would be putting it into practice with the team.

The portfolio of evidence did seem to be a lot to begin with, but you can break it down into manageable units and it comes together. It’s a big commitment, but it’s genuinely worthwhile. The experience really helped build my confidence, especially developing the skills I need to support my team and manage them effectively. I probably wouldn’t have pursued an apprenticeship had it not been offered through O.C.O, but now I feel empowered to continue learning.”

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

By upskilling employees and nurturing leadership talent from within, O.C.O is not only supporting individual career progression but also strengthening operational performance across the business.

The company remains committed to providing meaningful development opportunities for colleagues who are eager to learn, grow and take the next step in their careers — ensuring a strong pipeline of capable, confident leaders for the future.