Placement at Dacorum

With a current skills shortage in the industry, one of Osborne’s key aims through our work in the community is to encourage young people to consider a career in construction and realise the variety of roles available.

We were therefore happy to offer a Work-Based Learning programme in partnership with Astley Cooper School. Rebecca joined our Repairs and Maintenance Team as a Plumber Operative on our Dacorum contract.

Rebecca has been gaining experience throughout the eight months, working alongside our Operatives and Supervisors, whilst also utilising her new skills within our training facility.

She says: “My time at Osborne has been very enjoyable and has allowed me to further my skills in plumbing. Everyone has been so welcoming and this placement has convinced me that I would like to become a plumber in the future”.

Erica Hodges, Work Based Learning Tutor for the programme, said, “Rebecca is a real credit to both the course and the school. She always works hard and we have watched her grow in confidence throughout the placement. It has been a joy to work with her and Osborne”.

Rebecca’s dedicated mentor throughout the placement has been Anthony Banham, Plumber at Dacorum, “Since Rebecca has been with us, I have enjoyed teaching someone who actually wants to learn. She has grown in confidence and has been so willing to learn and get involved”.

Rebecca has taken part in additional training throughout her placement to include  Dementia Awareness,  Health and Safety, as well as attending company briefings from the Managing Director providing her with the full experience of working for an established Construction company.

Osborne’s Carol Bailey said: “Supporting programmes like this has had an extremely positive impact on our staff, who embrace the opportunity to mentor young people and pass on their skills and knowledge. We believe this programme could really help bridge the gap between education and employment for young people.”