CLICK HERE for our Commercial Waste Bank Holiday Collection schedule
Apprenticeships
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career journey, or looking to take a new direction from the path you’re currently on, ODS apprenticeship programmes are open to all. As an apprentice with us, you’ll do a real job - so you can gain essential workplace experience, continue learning, and earn a wage too!
Sharing our values
Many of our apprenticeships have no minimum entry requirements. We’re looking for apprentices who are willing to learn and share our values.
ODS has high standards when it comes to delivering services, so we would need you to be keen to learn, and take personal responsibility, as well as being self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible.
In return, we will offer you a generous benefits package and you’ll be welcomed into friendly and supportive teams that will help you put your new-found skills into practice!
Apprentice benefits
Competitive pay.
Once your induction is complete, you’ll have paid time off until your course starts with just weekly check-ins with your manager.
Travel subsistence for buses.
29 days leave a year raising to 33 after five years.
Excellent pension provision.
Apprentice network events.
Retail discounts.
Highly reduced gym membership.
Apprenticeships Available This Year:
We are pleased to be recruiting for a range of apprenticeships across our operational and business support teams this year. These opportunities combine paid employment with high‑quality training delivered by our partner colleges and are ideal for individuals looking to build a long‑term career with ODS.
Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Level 3
Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians plan, select, install, service, commission and maintain all aspects of plumbing and heating systems. Plumbing and domestic heating technicians can find themselves working inside or outside a property. By the end of this apprenticeship the candidate will have satisfied the requirements for registration as EngTech and to obtain a CSCS card
Salary- £15433.44 year 1, ranging to £ 25,389 in year 4 (or National Minimum Wage for age group)
Entry requirements:
Applicants are required to have grade A*- C / 9 - 4 in Maths and English GCSE, or equivalent, and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.
Level 3 takes up to 48 months studying with Abingdon & Witney College, Bicester Campus
Employment 4 ½ years.
Job description: Plumbing and Domestic Heating Tech 2026
Installation & Maintenance Electrician Level 3
Our electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems in commercial and domestic environments working in our Property Services department. After successful completion you will be able to apply for professional registration with EngTec.
Salary- £15,433.44 year 1, ranging to £26,084 in year 4 (or National Minimum Wage for age group)
Entry requirements: Math & English GCSE level 4 or C grade.
Level 3 takes up to 36 months studying with Abingdon and Witney College, Bicester Campus.
Employment 3 ½ years.
Job description: Electrical Installation Technician apprentice 2026
Carpentry & Joinery - Site Carpenter Level 2 Apprenticeship
Site carpenters work with building materials (most often wood) to create and install building components. This typically involves shaping and cutting materials, installing finished materials like partitions, doors, staircases, window frames, mouldings, timber floor coverings and erecting structural components such as floor joists and roofs. Apprentices normally work on a building site or in homes or commercial premises. They will prepare and fix building components from construction of new buildings through to installation or fixtures and fittings, they might also carry out a wide range of repair and maintenance jobs.
Salary- £15,433.44 year 1, £15,671.00
Applicants are likely to have achieved a Level 2 apprenticeship and have 4 GCSEs A*- D/ 9 - 4 or equivalent and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.
Level 2 takes up to 20 months studying with Abingdon and Witney College, Bicester Campus.
Employment 2 years
Job description: Carpentry & Joinery apprentice 2026
Business Administration Level 3
Join us as a Business Administration Apprentice and become a key part of our team supporting learning, development, and engagement.
You will support the preparation and planning of all learning activities and development initiatives across our workforce, coordinate work experience opportunities, and assist with internal communications to keep everyone informed.
Along the way, you will answer queries, keep information and records up to date, and support with resources, reports, and meeting notes, gaining valuable skills, hands-on experience, and confidence as you grow.
Salary- £ 16154 year 1, ranging to £ £22,116.00 year 2.
Entry requirements:
Applicants are required to have grade A*- C / 9 - 4 in Maths and English GCSE, or equivalent, and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.
Level 3 takes 18 months with Abingdon & Witney College.
Employment for 2 years
Job description: HR Business Admin Apprentice 2026
Plasterer/Property Maintenance Level 2
An Apprentice Plasterer will assist an experienced tradesperson to deliver a high‑quality service, focusing on customer needs and providing excellent levels of customer care.
Apprentices will be expected to achieve the relevant plastering qualification and should be able to demonstrate the confidence and commitment required to combine on‑the‑job training with college studies.
You will need to balance workplace demands with college learning and feel comfortable working at height (e.g., scaffolding, ladders, loft spaces).
You will study property maintenance Level 2 with A&W college to gain a multitude of skills and focus on Plastering once the course is completed.
Salary- £ 15,433.44 year 1, TBC year 2
Entry requirements:
Applicants are required to have grade A*- C / 9 - 4 in Maths and English GCSE, or equivalent, and will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve all elements of the apprenticeship during their programme, including working in a suitable job role.
Level 2 takes 15 months with Abingdon & Witney College. Bicester Campus.
Employment for 2 years
Job description: Plasterer and Property Maintenance Apprentice 2026
Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician L3
A motor vehicle service and maintenance apprentice will learn how to work on all the systems found within the vehicle, from replacing simple parts through to solving complex faults with the use of diagnostic methods and equipment.
Salary- £ 15,433.44 year 1, TBC year 2
Entry requirements:
Applicants are likely to have 4 GCSEs A*- C / 9 - 4, including maths and English and have completed a Level 2 motor vehicle qualification
Level 3 takes 18 months with Abingdon & Witney College. Abingdon Campus.
Employment for 2 years.
Job description: Vehicle Service Maintenance Tech Apprentice 2026
Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship – Level 2
The primary role will be maintaining the highway infrastructure providing vital maintenance and safety services that benefit local communities; such as pothole repairs. It is perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors, being part of a hard-working team and would like a meaningful job to improve people’s surroundings.
Salary- £15,433.44 year 1,
Entry requirements:
Applicants must hold at least a GCSE grade 1 or equivalent in English and maths and will be required to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills as part of their apprenticeship.
Level 2 takes approx 18 months with Telford College. Applicants must be able to get to campus.
Employment 2 years.
How to apply
All applicants must apply through the National Apprenticeship Service website. https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Applicants should ensure they meet the entry requirements for their chosen programme and are able to travel reliably to the college campus stated for the apprenticeship, as attendance at off‑the‑job training is a mandatory part of the programme.
Interview dates
20th July has been allocated for:
Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician – Level 3 (Bicester Campus)
Installation & Maintenance Electrician – Level 3 (Bicester Campus)
Carpentry & Joinery (Site Carpenter) – Level 2 (Bicester Campus)
Plasterer / Property Maintenance – Level 2 (Bicester Campus)
21st July has been allocated for:
HR Business Administration – Level 3 (College-based training with Abingdon & Witney College)
Dates TBC:
Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician L3
Highways Maintenance Apprenticeship – Level 2
Apprenticeship FAQs
Find the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:
ODS wants to support applicants from all walks of life.
If a full time apprenticeship doesn’t work for you, or there may be barriers to you completing an apprenticeship, contact us to discuss your options. You can reach us by emailing odsapprenticeships@odsgroup.co.uk or you can write to us at L&D Team, Oxford Direct Services, Marsh Road, Oxford, OX4 2HH