Graduates shape OS’s future

Since the graduate scheme launched in September 2012, sixteen graduates have joined OS.

Graduate scheme 2016

The overall aim is to equip each with everything they need to know to help OS continue in its role as the world’s most inspiring and trusted geospatial partner. It does this by developing the graduate’s understanding of the organisation through work placements in teams across the organisation. This learning is then applied when the individual returns to their team. The four-year period the graduate scheme has been running also corresponds with OS’s rebranding as a ‘digital data powerhouse’.

OS CEO, Nigel Clifford, says: “It’s rare to have the opportunity to create something that will improve and change the lives of a whole country. It’s even rarer to aspire to do this globally. This is the opportunity graduates joining OS have.

“As an organisation we aim to give Britain what it needs to be the smartest nation around, supporting innovation, the economy, national security and the planning of the entire country. We are keen to see that other countries are not left behind, and so offer our technology and expertise to ensure they can afford to create a 21st century geospatial support for system their citizens, businesses and governments. Graduates play an important role in making this happen and taking OS forward.”

Steve Kingston joined OS as a graduate in September 2013. Most recently Steve has been using a ten-year archive of OS, government, and private sector data to understand city-wide infrastructure, asset, and resource change for improved delivery of citizen services and the shaping of regional policies. This is connected to OS’s Smart City activities.

Steve says about his experience as a graduate: “After University I worked with an outdoor clothing company and then in a bike shop, learning customer service and sales skills. I really enjoyed both jobs, but my view was to always apply for a graduate role.”

Steve continues: “My parents had gotten me into OS consumer products at an early age and after seeing an advert for the graduate scheme at OS I did some research and was attracted to the digital business side of OS.

“Since joining OS I have seen that it and its data and tradecraft is everywhere making life easier. The reach is very broad. Whether it’s the everyday, such as making sure deliveries are made to the right place and on time, to supporting events like the Olympics and Rugby World Cup, and dealing with emergencies, such as the widespread flooding that happened last winter.

“Any grad scheme is going to be challenging, but the rotational policy OS operates gives exposure and experience to a number of sides of the business, and it is unique in that respect.”

This October OS launches its graduate scheme. For more information and to apply, go to os.uk/grads