Graduate programme open for 2022 applications

The exciting programme allows graduates to gain experience of working across government, business, and international markets. Graduates will help drive future innovations and the next generation of customer focussed products and services to make an impact on OS's future growth. The 16 roles cover both the Geospatial Graduate Programme and Data Graduate Programme.

OS is a global tech and data company providing valuable location data and know-how to business and government customers across the world. OS helps customers from many markets, including transport, leisure, utilities and public service providers, to underpin critical decisions that help make a difference, tackling some of the biggest challenges from climate change to the emergency Covid-19 response.

As a graduate joining OS, they will have a unique opportunity to work across all areas of the business with rotating placements. From learning how to use AI techniques for faster mapping and monitoring of the planet’s ecosystem, supporting in the creation of new digital services which will revolutionise the construction and utilities sector, to assisting with EV infrastructure planning as we focus on building a more sustainable future.

Since launching the current graduate programme in 2018, over 15 graduates have successfully completed the scheme with all moving into full time roles at OS. We also have 13 graduates currently on programme across two cohorts that are developing through the scheme with a view to transitioning into roles in the next 12-24 months.

Jessica Baker, Technical Relationship Consultant, 23, joined the OS graduate scheme in September 2019 after graduating from Durham University. In November 2020, she won the Geography in Government (GiG) award for her colour-blind friendly map which was designed to create a more accessible mapping product for leisure customers.

“I’d always liked the visual aspect of maps and was drawn to the power of geospatial data in solving challenges. Due to the small intake of graduates, I knew there would be a more personal approach and the opportunity to be more hands on and learn on the job. I’ve learnt a wide range of technical skills, from working with different data sets that help solve customer problems, to being given the autonomy and responsibility to manage products, budgets, and liaise directly with customers.

“I’ve grown in confidence and been able to make a valuable contribution, building on my existing geospatial knowledge from university to confidently processing data and managing a team of five, which has now led me to become a permanent OS employee.”

The last 18 months have been critical for geospatial innovation, particularly in the UK. The pandemic highlighted the value of accurate location data in response to Covid-19, with OS data being used by the NHS for vaccination programmes, emergency services and local authorities. There is also greater emphasis on the strategic value of location data in the fight against climate change.

OS has made a huge investment in its workforce, having hired 386 new employees since 1 April 2020, boosting the staff count by 46% in the last 18 months, with 1,325 people now working for the organisation.

James Armstrong, 25, joined the OS graduate scheme in September 2020. “I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted from a career after university and worked for two years as a researcher for mitigating risk from unexploded ordnance in the construction sector. What really appealed to me about OS was knowing that they were everywhere, not just in the paper map sense, but their data is supporting healthcare, environment and planning and I wanted to work for a British organisation that was making a difference and contributing to solving societal challenges.

“Since joining the graduate scheme in September last year I’ve become a jack of all trades – learning how to apply data science, the different datasets and how the products can add value, communicating with customers to understand and find solutions. You not only get to learn a technical skillset, but there is a customer facing element. I was asked to present a GIS training session for government staff on how to use and query our products. It was a fantastic feeling being trusted so early-on with the know-how to be customer-facing.”

With new ways of working and in support of the government’s levelling up agenda, OS graduates can be based anywhere in the UK with occasional travel required to the Southampton head office depending on programme and business needs.

For more information and to apply for the graduate programme visit Ordnance Survey graduate scheme.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 5^th December 2021.