OLS is proud to announce it has been named SME Employer of the Year at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026, recognising its outstanding commitment to developing future talent and embedding apprenticeships at the core of its business strategy. 

The award win was further strengthened by individual success, with Shelley Law receiving Special Recognition for her exceptional achievements as a Degree Apprentice, highlighting both organisational excellence and the calibre of talent developed within OLS. 

A Strategic Commitment to Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are central to OLS’s growth and innovation. Since 2019, the business has supported 12 apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 6, spanning engineering, technical support, software development, marketing and business administration. 

Today: 

  • Over 50% of the workforce began as apprentices 
  • 100% retention rate following completion
  • Apprentices contribute directly to live commercial projects from day one

From large-scale, multi-site installations to international deployments, apprentices play a key role in delivering projects and driving innovation, including the continued development of OLS Connect, supporting 25+ system integrations. 

A Model Built for Long-Term Growth 

OLS’s apprenticeship programme is designed to build long-term careers, combining structured mentoring, professional development and hands-on technical experience. 

This approach has directly supported: 

  • Rapid expansion of the technical operations team 
  • Delivery of large-scale projects across multiple sectors
  • Continued innovation in cloud-based and integrated security technologies

The programme has also contributed to significant commercial success, including exceeding £2.5 million turnover in 2025 and securing the largest contract in the company’s history. 

Jason Sharpe, Operations Director at OLS, said: 

“Winning SME Employer of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the culture we have built at OLS. 

Apprenticeships are fundamental to how we grow as a business — not only developing skills, but driving innovation and delivering real value to our customers. 

This recognition, alongside Shelley’s Special Recognition, reinforces our belief that investing in people is key to long-term success.” 

Looking Ahead 

As OLS continues to expand its UK and international footprint, apprenticeships will remain central to its strategy — supporting the development of future talent across technical, engineering and business functions. 

With plans to further invest in higher-level and degree apprenticeships, OLS is committed to continuing its role as a leading employer in the region and an innovator within the security and technology sector.