OLS Ltd, an award-winning, SSAIB accredited security integrator, is proud to announce it has been named Small Enterprise Employer of the Year 2026 at the Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Apprentice Awards.

The award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to apprenticeships, with OLS praised for embedding development at the heart of its business and creating clear, long-term career pathways for its people.

A Strategic Approach to Apprenticeships

At OLS, apprenticeships are not treated as a standalone initiative. Instead, they form a core part of the company’s growth strategy, supporting both individual progression and wider business performance.

Since 2019, OLS has supported apprentices across engineering, technical support, software development, business administration, and marketing. Each programme is underpinned by a structured approach to development, combining regular mentoring, hands-on project experience, and access to industry-leading training aligned with industry standards.

Apprentices are further supported through additional investment in specialist training, including supplier-led programmes and advanced technical courses. This ensures they develop skills beyond the standard apprenticeship framework and are equipped to contribute at a higher level across the business.

Driving Growth, Innovation and Capability

The impact of this approach is evident across OLS’s operations. Apprentices have played a key role in driving innovation, strengthening in-house expertise, and supporting the business in adopting cloud-driven security solutions ahead of competitors.

Their contributions have enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer experience, and reduced reliance on outsourced support. In several cases, apprentices have progressed into positions of responsibility, leading projects, developing internal processes, and supporting global client deployments.

This integration of learning and delivery ensures apprentices are not only developing their own careers but actively shaping the future direction of the business.

A Proven Model for Success

OLS’s apprenticeship programme has delivered consistent, measurable results. The business maintains a 100% retention rate for apprentices completing their programmes, with all individuals offered permanent roles and clear progression pathways.

Former apprentices now hold key positions within the organisation, including leadership and specialist roles. Many have progressed through multiple levels of apprenticeship, from entry-level programmes through to higher and degree-level qualifications.

Academically, apprentices consistently achieve high outcomes, with recent completers achieving distinction grades. Professionally, they are recognised for their technical capability, leadership potential, and contribution to business performance.

Recognition from NTU

Judges at the NTU Apprentice Awards highlighted OLS’s commitment to continuous development, its integration of apprenticeships as a central business function, and its investment in higher-level progression opportunities.

They also recognised the organisation’s belief that investing in people drives long-term success, innovation, and sustainable growth — a principle that continues to underpin OLS’s strategy.

Celebrating the Team

The award was collected on the night by Andy Abbott and Shelley Law, representing the wider OLS team and the collective effort behind the programme’s success.

Ollie Law, Founder & CEO at OLS, commented:

“This award is a proud moment for everyone at OLS. Apprenticeships have always been central to how we build our business — not just for today, but for the future.

We firmly believe that when you invest in people, you unlock innovation, capability, and long-term success. Seeing our apprentices grow into leaders, specialists and key contributors across the organisation is what makes this recognition so meaningful.

This award reflects the commitment of our entire team to creating an environment where learning drives ambition and opportunity is open to everyone.”

Looking Ahead

This achievement marks an important milestone for OLS but also reinforces its long-term vision: to build a business where learning fuels ambition, and opportunity is accessible to all.

With continued investment in apprenticeships and a focus on developing future talent, OLS is well positioned to strengthen its reputation as a trusted, innovative, and people-driven security integrator operating across the UK and internationally.