Training and Careers
Osborne Partnership
What does the service provide?
The Osborne Partnership is a unique company which provides employment services for adults with learning disabilities.
Since its formation in 1997 it has built an enviable reputation centred upon its key aims: to trade as a company; to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide valuable employment training.
Training projects
- Horticulture and conservation training. Beneficiaries of the training projects undertake accredited National Proficiency Test Council horticulture and conservation qualifications
- Work preparation and horticulture training - based at the Osborne Partnership main site and working in Partnership with Barking and Dagenham College. Beneficiaries of the Osborne Partnership undertake a basic introduction into work preparation and horticulture training
- ICT training - based at the Osborne Partnership main site and at Harp House Cyber Café in Barking
- Manufacturing training - based at the Valence Unit and at the Osborne Partnership main site. Beneficiaries work towards the Oxford and Cambridge Royal Society of Arts qualification in manufacturing - entry level 3, or the Performing Manufacturing Operations NVQ level (1) (dependent on ability level)
- Pre-employment training - based at the Valence Unit. Beneficiaries undertake a structured pre employment programme including health and safety training, interview techniques, producing C.Vs, letter writing and job search skills
Satellite operations - community based work and work experience operations:
- Harp House Cyber Café - Beneficiaries receive community based work experience opportunities in catering
- Valence Work Unit - Beneficiaries are paid to work in a real manufacturing environment. They are expected to work to deadlines and produce work to the required standard by corporate companies
- Fred Tibble Retail Outlet - Beneficiaries receive community based work experience in a small retail outlet
- The Green Team (Mobile Gardening) - Beneficiaries receive community based work experience opportunities by providing a mobile gardening service to residents and commercial organisations within the borough
The Osborne Partnership also provides:
The Employment Network - Specialist Employment Agency
This agency provides a service to approximately 50 people with learning disabilities and/or complex needs. It helps to build transferable skills to assist the transition into work and community based activities.
This includes paid work, work experience and voluntary work opportunities in commercial organisations. Examples of which are Sainsbury's, Tesco's, Bupa Care Homes and various charity shops.
Who is eligible for the service?
Those adults with learning disabilities who are residents within the borough.
How is the service accessed?
Users are referred by Adult and Community Services. If you do not already have a named Social Worker, the first point of contact for this service is the Adult Intake and Access Team.
