New Training Facility will Upskill Local Community

A new training centre that is intended to support trainees and apprentices from the local community has been opened in Dacorum.
The centre has been developed by repairs and maintenance contractor, Osborne, who look after more than 60,000 homes across London and the South East. It provides a purpose-built facility where trainees can develop and practice their practical skills – from plastering and drilling to window installations – in a safe, controlled environment.

Alongside a fully equipped and modern classroom, the centre includes a replica kitchen, bathroom and wet-room installation to demonstrate to trainees the level of craftsmanship they need to develop.

As well as supporting the development of Osborne’s own employees, the business intends to open the centre up to the wider community as a place where tenants can come to improve their DIY skills and for upskilling people who are looking to return to the workplace.

Osborne Property Services, Managing Director, Carol Bailey, said:
“We believe in investing in people so they can reach their potential.  This is a fabulous, modern facility that will enhance the skills of our own people and benefit the wider community.  We look forward to welcoming people through the doors once we’re open for business next week.”

Osborne’s approach of working with communities to develop projects has been popular with customers and some highlights in Osborne’s CSR work over the past two years include: training and sponsorship worth over £650,000 provided to communities; over 5,205 staff hours donated to community initiatives; and nearly 200 community events supported.

Events have included: an engineering challenge with local children in Bromley; working with young offenders to refurbish Hemel Stags Rugby Club; and participating in a Boccia tournament with visually impaired children at Joseph Clarke School in east London.