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Hands On Work Experience at Osborne

The Osborne team based in Winchester have recently supported a work experience placement student Rhys Porter, from Eastleigh College.
Rhys first met Osborne back in 2014 when they collectively built a sustainable greenhouse made out of plastic bottles as part of their commitment to the local community.  The Osborne school in Winchester supports students with special needs and seeks to enable every learner to fulfill their individual potential.

Recognising Rhys’s commitment to get involved and his interest in practical ‘hands on work, Neal Allison, Community Investment Manager, gave Rhys his business card, saying that if he ever wanted some work experience to get in touch when he left school.

Three years later, Rhys made contact and expressed his interest in gaining hands on experience and our Winchester team were delighted to be a part of this learning programme for Rhys.

The Osborne team, Darren, Nigel and Glen embraced this opportunity and prepared for the weeks placement.   Rhys visited the office for a pre-placement interview to practice his interview techniques with constructive feedback.  The office also hosted a visit from the college who pre-assessed all safety aspects in preparation.

Rhys, who has autism, received a full health & safety induction before being kitted out with his full PPE.  Throughout the week Rhys got involved in a variety of repairs for Winchester County Council, from installing windows to hanging garage doors to fixing leaks! Osborne Operative Glen took the time to impart his knowledge to ensure that Rhys understood the steps through the entire repairs process and the importance of communicating with residents.  Apprentice Will also spent time with Rhys sharing his experience of the working world.

Rhys took the time to send in a thank you card after his placement- the card said; ‘Thank you to all the team for a brilliant week!  Also for all the support you gave me. Hope to see you all again’.

Kevin Porter, Rhys’s dad, sent an email to Osborne which said; ‘Rhys has learnt so much about what it means to be part of a team and working in the real world. He has thoroughly enjoyed each and every day at Osborne. On behalf of us all please accept our sincere thanks for giving Rhys such a marvellous opportunity. I am sure he will remember all that he has been taught, it has boosted his confidence and self-esteem and he has already stated that he wished he could have been there another week.’

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