Social Value Apprentice

Social Value Apprentice

Apprenticeship 19350 - 23650 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Manchester Arndale

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Coordinate community projects, support environmental initiatives, and engage with local schools.
  • Company: Join OCS, a leading facilities management company with a commitment to social value.
  • Benefits: Enjoy digital learning, flexible pay, and exclusive retail perks through our Hapi app.
  • Other info: 24-month apprenticeship with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while building your career in ESG.
  • Qualifications: Passion for social impact and sustainability; no prior experience required.

The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn.

We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve.

Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS?

  • Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
  • Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
  • Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
  • Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
  • Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

About The Role

  • Working Pattern
  • Monday - Thurday 9am - 5pm

We are committed to leaving a positive legacy for the communities served by our rail client. To support this, OCS is recruiting an ESG Apprentice to help deliver our ESG Plan.

This role is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about people, places, and the planet.

You will help drive forward our commitments on the social side, including volunteering, schools engagement, inclusive recruitment, and work experience, while also contributing to environmental initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, improving recycling, and supporting green travel.

Alongside these responsibilities, you will complete the Level 4 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Apprenticeship, giving you the knowledge and skills to build a career in ESG, social impact, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Community & Social Value
  • Coordinate volunteering opportunities for OCS colleagues, including school visits, employability workshops, and community projects.
  • Develop relationships with local schools and colleges to deliver careers talks, CV workshops, and employability sessions.
  • Support delivery of work experience placements for young people, creating structured and engaging programmes.
  • Work with employability partners to promote inclusive recruitment, supporting pathways into work for under-represented groups.
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Support with the Carbon Impact Assessment by helping collect and analyse data on emissions from transport, energy, and operations
  • Promote greener travel options for colleagues (e. g. cycle-to-work, public transport, low-carbon commuting).
  • Assist with initiatives to increase recycling rates and reduce waste across stations and operations, including plastics reduction and responsible disposal
  • Help raise awareness of sustainability campaigns among colleagues and local communities.
  • Data & Reporting
  • Record delivery of social value and environmental commitments in the Social Value Portal.
  • Assist with producing progress reports, presentations, and case studies for the Rail client, stakeholders, and the community.
  • Gather evidence and feedback to demonstrate impact and continuous improvement.
  • Personal Development
  • Dedicate weekly time (minimum 6 hours) to apprenticeship learning, applying your knowledge to live projects.
  • Develop skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, communication, and ESG data analysis.
  • Work with mentors and senior managers to gain insight into both the social and environmental dimensions of ESG.
  • Apprenticeship Programme
  • Community and stakeholder engagement.
  • Delivering and reporting on social value initiatives.
  • Understanding carbon impacts and reduction strategies.
  • Waste and recycling management.
  • Collecting, analysing, and presenting ESG data.
  • Project and change management for sustainability.
  • Developing and publishing ESG reports.

The programme lasts 24 months + End Point Assessment and is aligned to the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS) Competency Framework.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals.

We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

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Social Value Apprentice employer: Manchester Arndale

At Manchester Arndale, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member. Our part-time Evening Cleaner role offers flexible hours, allowing for a great work-life balance while contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for our customers. We are dedicated to employee growth, providing opportunities for training and development within a vibrant retail setting in the heart of Manchester.

Manchester Arndale

Contact Details:

Manchester Arndale Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Social Value Apprentice

Get Involved in Community Events

Jump into local community events or volunteering opportunities. Social work is all about connecting with people, so being visible in your community helps us make the right contacts. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion!

Connect with Social Work Networks

Tap into social work networks like local councils or universities that offer apprenticeship programmes. They often post unique opportunities and can connect us with mentors who can guide our journey and potentially lead to the apprenticeship at Manchester Arndale.

Tailor Your Approach to Apprenticeships

When applying for an apprenticeship, focus on showcasing your relevant experiences in your CV and during interviews. Highlight any volunteer work or practical experiences related to social work to stand out to Manchester Arndale.

Follow Up After Your Application

Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship at Manchester Arndale, don’t just sit back! Follow up with a friendly email or a call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps keep you on their radar.

We think you need these skills to ace Social Value Apprentice

Community Engagement
Social Value Coordination
Relationship Development
Data Analysis
Environmental Sustainability
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:When applying for an apprenticeship in social work, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others. Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you’re drawn to this field and how your personal experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a career in social work. This personal touch can make a big difference!

Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have formal work experience in social work, be sure to showcase any volunteering or community involvement. Mention any relevant skills you've developed, like communication, empathy, or conflict resolution. These are key in social work, and showcasing them can really strengthen your application to Manchester Arndale.

Tailor Your CV to Social Work:Craft your CV with a focus on social work-related skills and experiences. Include sections for relevant qualifications, such as any certifications, training, or workshops you've attended. Make sure to highlight your ability to work in diverse teams and support vulnerable individuals, all of which are essential in this field.

Be Ready to Learn:In your application, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the social work sector. As an apprentice, it’s important for us at StudySmarter to see that you are eager to absorb knowledge and develop your skills. Let us know how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals in social work.

How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale

Show Your Passion for Helping People

In social work, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are crucial. When chatting with Manchester Arndale, make sure to convey your passion for community support and social justice. Share any relevant experiences, even volunteer work, where you've made a difference.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

You might face some scenario-based questions during your interview that assess how you'd handle real-life situations, such as conflict resolution or crisis management. Practise responding to potential scenarios that are common in social work, so you feel confident when tackling these types of questions with the interviewers.

Highlight Your Willingness to Learn

As you're aiming for an apprenticeship, your eagerness to learn is a huge asset! Be open about what you hope to gain from the role at Manchester Arndale and how you're excited to develop your skills. This shows them that you're not just there to fill a spot but genuinely enthusiastic about growing in the field.

Prepare to Discuss Relevant Theories and Tools

Brush up on key theories and tools used in social work, such as the person-centred approach or community assessments. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in practise. This doesn't just show your knowledge but also signals your readiness to delve into the nitty-gritty of the job right from the outset.