At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain cloud platforms and infrastructure for OCU's operations.
- Company: Join OCU, one of the UK's fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses.
- Benefits: Structured training, hands-on experience, and a clear progression path.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology solutions that support essential services.
- Qualifications: Degree in Cybersecurity, IT, Software Engineering or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
You'll play a key role in supporting and maintaining the cloud platforms, infrastructure and core technology services that underpin OCU's operations. Based in Preston, you'll work as part of our Infrastructure and Cloud Services team, helping to deliver reliable, secure and scalable technology solutions that support colleagues, customers and business-critical services across the organisation.
You'll gain exposure to a broad range of cloud and infrastructure technologies, supporting the management, maintenance and improvement of systems across on-premise and cloud environments. Working alongside experienced engineers, architects and technical specialists, you'll help monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, implement infrastructure changes and support projects that drive innovation and operational efficiency.
As part of the role, you'll contribute to the administration of cloud platforms, servers, networks, storage solutions and endpoint technologies, while developing an understanding of modern infrastructure practices including automation, virtualisation, monitoring, disaster recovery and cyber security. You'll support the delivery of infrastructure upgrades, cloud migrations and technology transformation initiatives, gaining practical experience across the full technology lifecycle.
You'll work closely with technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure systems remain resilient, secure and fit for purpose. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, develop your technical expertise and play an active role in shaping and supporting the technology landscape that enables OCU's continued growth and success.
Perfect for Graduates who are passionate about technology, cloud computing and IT infrastructure, and who want to build a career designing, supporting and improving modern technology environments. You'll be naturally curious, analytical and eager to learn, with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in how complex systems and technologies work together. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys troubleshooting technical challenges, learning new technologies and working collaboratively to deliver reliable and innovative solutions.
You'll be keen to develop your skills across cloud platforms, networking, infrastructure, automation and systems administration while working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists. You'll enjoy balancing day-to-day operational support with project-based work, helping to deliver technology solutions that improve performance, enable business growth and support the digital transformation of the organisation.
Entry Requirements
You’ll need (or be on track to achieve) a degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Software Engineering or related subject with a minimum 2:2 classification. Due to travel and support across various site locations driving licence is essential before starting the role.
Training Programme
Our 2 year Graduate Programme combines structured training with hands-on experience, giving you real responsibility from day one. You'll learn directly alongside industry experts in a collaborative, supportive environment. We invest in your continuous professional development, giving you the tools, confidence and clear progression path to build a long term career within OCU.
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process, by emailing recruitment@ocugroup.com.
At OCU Group, we don’t just deliver infrastructure - we help power modern life. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses, we deliver complex, nationally critical projects across power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital infrastructure.
Our growth is driven by ambitious people, operational excellence, and a commitment to doing things properly. We work on projects that genuinely matter by supporting the UK’s energy transition, strengthening essential infrastructure, and helping build more sustainable communities for the future.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to take ownership of major projects and influence delivery at scale, or someone starting your career through an apprenticeship, graduate programme, or placement route, OCU offers real opportunity to grow, develop, and make an impact.
We are building a business where high performance, collaboration, innovation, and accountability sit at the centre of our culture. Our people are trusted to lead, encouraged to challenge thinking, and supported to continuously develop their skills and careers. At OCU, you won’t just join a growing business, you’ll help shape it.
Our Culture & Values
At OCU, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We care about safety, lead with integrity, strive to be better every day, make a positive impact, and deliver to grow, together, as One Company United.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At OCU Group, we believe diversity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to building stronger teams, better ideas, and a more successful business. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
As part of our commitment to fairness and equality, candidates may be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form during the recruitment process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in hiring decisions. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to offering interviews to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Graduate Cloud And Infrastructure Engineer - Preston - 2027 in Rishton employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greenwich where Quantity Surveyors can thrive. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our 'Careers with Purpose' initiative, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported while working on significant infrastructure projects. With competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture, OCU is the ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Cloud And Infrastructure Engineer - Preston - 2027 in Rishton
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what OCU Group values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges OCU Group might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at OCU Group!
✨Direct Apply to OCU Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the OCU Group website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Cloud And Infrastructure Engineer - Preston - 2027 in Rishton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at OCU Group.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at OCU Group. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
