Fire & Security Apprentice

Manchester Arndale; Crawley; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is offering a Fire & Security Apprentice role across our customer estate. You will train alongside experienced engineers in installing, inspecting, testing and maintaining fire, security and life-safety systems.

The programme blends on-the-job training with classroom learning, building practical skills in alarms, CCTV, access control and power supplies while emphasising health and safety and customer service. Mon-Fri 0800-1700, career progression within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in engineering, electrical or security systems; willing to learn.
• Practical and methodical approach with good attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; reliable and professional attitude.
• Understanding of health and safety; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance, inspection, testing and repair of fire and security systems.
• Support engineers with fault finding, installation and commissioning.
• Develop knowledge of fire alarms, CCTV, intruder alarms and access control.
• Record completed work, test results and defects.
• Attend apprenticeship training and toolbox talks.

Skills

Engineering interest

Electrical systems

Security systems

Willing to learn

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Reliability

Health and safety

Willingness to travel

Education

GCSEs

Engineering experience

Basic IT skills

UK driving licence

Job description

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

Mon-Fri 0800 - 1700

Role Purpose

The Fire & Security Apprentice will work alongside experienced engineers to support the installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of fire, security and life-safety systems across our customer estate.

The role combines practical, on-the-job training with structured apprenticeship learning, allowing the apprentice to develop the skills and competence required to progress within the industry.

Key Responsibilities

Under supervision, the apprentice will:

• Assist with maintenance, inspection, testing and repair of fire and security systems.
• Support engineers with fault finding, installation and commissioning.
• Develop knowledge of fire alarms, CCTV, intruder alarms and access control.
• Assist with testing devices, circuits, batteries and power supplies.
• Learn to safely use test equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Assist with cabling, containment, termination and equipment connections.
• Accurately record completed work, test results and defects.
• Report safety, compliance and equipment issues.
• Maintain tools and equipment safely.
• Work professionally within customer premises.
• Attend apprenticeship training, toolbox talks and technical briefings.

Systems

The apprentice may gain experience with fire alarms, aspirating detection, voice alarm, emergency communication, CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, intercoms, networked systems and standby power supplies.

Health & Safety

Safety is central to the role. The apprentice must follow OCS safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements, PPE and electrical safety procedures. They must work within their level of competence and report unsafe conditions, incidents or compromised life-safety systems immediately.

Development

OCS will support the apprentice through a recognised Fire, Emergency and Security Systems apprenticeship covering practical training, electrical principles, fault diagnosis, installation, inspection, testing, health and safety, customer service and compliance.

Person Specification

Essential: Genuine interest in engineering, electrical or security systems; willingness to learn; practical and methodical approach; good attention to detail; communication and teamwork skills; reliable and professional attitude; understanding of health and safety; willingness to travel.

Desirable: Relevant GCSEs, practical or engineering experience, basic IT skills and a full UK driving licence or willingness to obtain one.

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.