Apprentices Share their Experiences in National Apprenticeship Week

Apprentices at Osborne Property Services are in the throws of a busy programme of community activity and celebrations to mark National Apprenticeship Week.
We caught up with Will and Aaron and they shared their stories with us:

Will joined Osborne initially for work experience following recommendation from a local charity. He impressed the firm so much, that they offered him a full time job as a site labourer, where he has been working with the Planned Works team in Walthamstow.  He was keen to take up an apprenticeship to progress his career.

Will was accepted on to the Maintenance Operations programme at Waltham Forest College, where he also gets all the additional help he needs for Maths, English and IT. Will attends college two days a week, one of which focuses on his functional skills. Now six months in to the two year programme Will is embracing learning.  The programme includes a range of trades, including painting and decorating, carpentry, plumbing, plastering and brickwork. These new skills will enable him to take on more responsibility within his role.

Aaron initially undertook a Contact Centre Operations Level 2 apprenticeship, which he successfully completed in January 2016 through Osborne’s partners Smart Training. Along with this he was awarded Smart Training’s Learner of the Month!

As Aaron’s role has evolved and he has taken on more responsibility within the team we have identified the need for a different set of skills and he has been enrolled on to a Supply Chain Operations Level 2 Apprenticeship with Central Sussex College.

Aaron said; “What I have learnt so far has helped me grow within my chosen field. It has given me the confidence to progress as well as the hunger to learn and do more. I would always recommend higher continued learning as it is important to learn and develop knowledge and skills. Doing an apprenticeship isn’t like being back at school or college as you are learning something that you want.”

Currently, Osborne is supporting 31 apprentices across the business in a variety of roles from Maintenance Operatives to Managers, Business Administrators and Surveyors.

Osborne’s Property Services Managing Director, Carol Bailey, explains:

“Providing employment opportunities in our local communities is a commitment that we are proud of.  Our mentored apprenticeship programme means that we maintain a local employment base and contribute to developing careers. This is especially important with the shortage of skilled tradespeople within the industry. Apprenticeships bring true business benefits too.  We are developing a pool of talent who are motivated, committed and loyal.  So as far as we’re concerned it’s a win-win situation.”