Celebrating the success of work experience

Bridging the gap between education and employment, the Osborne Property Services team have been instrumental in delivering a work-based learning programme for young people through Astley School in Hemel Hempstead.

We have had two students at our Dacorum Borough Council contract three days a week for six months, spending the other two days in school studying towards their BTEC qualifications in Life Skills, which students will benefit from throughout their career.

With the year coming to an end, we were invited to the Work-Based Learning Awards Evening. The ceremony saw all students recognised and congratulated for finishing the programme.

Rebecca, who will be returning to Osborne to begin a plumbing apprenticeship, was one of the students, along with Mitch who worked with the electrical team.

Stephen Greenfield, Supervisor was awarded ‘Supervisor of the Year Award’ for his enthusiastic guidance of Rebecca Mullen over a six-month placement.
Rebecca said:
“Steve is my hero – he is so patient and has taught me so much in a short space of time – I will always be grateful!”

Sarah Askey, Osborne Community Investment Manager, said: “With a skills shortage in the industry, one of our key aims through our work in the local community is to encourage young people to consider a career in construction. The Work-Based Learning Programme has been the perfect way to achieve this and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the schools next year”

Richard O’Brien, Pre-Apprenticeship Programme Co-ordinator at The Astley Cooper School, said: “The support of Osborne Property Services has been a key factor in the success of our unique pre-apprenticeship programme. Osborne has dedicated finances and manpower to give our young people a shot at a great career. Osborne is an exemplar business, forward thinking and people centred. It’s an approach that pays dividends too, the investment they have put into Rebecca will be repaid many times over by a great employee.”