Work-Related Training
IT
Our IT Training is designed to give clients more confidence with their computing skills. We offer different levels of computer training from a basic 6-week course with an introduction to email set-up, navigating web pages and using search engines, to a nationally recognised ITQ course of 2 Levels covering the Microsoft Office packages:
Word | Excel | PowerPoint | Access | Publisher | Outlook
We also run further IT workshops to develop our clients’ skills in: designing a WordPress website, Online security, Photo Editing, Encryption, Digital Art, Email, Google Maps, Skype and many more. We understand that every client has a different level of IT experience – we are here to support each individual to achieve their qualification at their own pace.
For more information about the courses we offer, click here.
Gardening
Our gardening department is designed to teach our clients about soft landscaping and garden maintenance. They will work on real customers’ gardens with our trained and qualified staff, learning about:
Lawn care | Weeding | Planting | Hedge-cutting | Pruning | Leaf-tidying | Estimating the time required and costing for a job
In addition, they will receive “classroom” training, here at Oakleaf, to support their practical work, including plant identification, handling tools and machinery and health & safety awareness.
This department is very hands on and every day is different. As their experience grows clients will be learning transferable skills including teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, communication, professional behaviour and getting the job done, which are important additions to any CV.
Upholstery
Oakleaf has developed its own upholstery course which is overseen by our Upholstery Trainers. Clients work towards an initial 6-week introductory course which involves:
An introduction to upholstery tools, their uses and handling.
Refurbishing a dining room chair – from stripping back to the original frame to rebuilding the seat using the traditional upholstery method of hammer and tacks.
For clients who have enjoyed the introduction and wish to further their skills they can progress to an 18- week course comprising of:
• Scatter cushion project – perfecting sewing machine skills.
• Sprung, stitched & stuffed dining chair project
Throughout the upholstery process clients will produce photographs and paperwork to document each stage of their project, including; dimension sketches, design brief, action plan, cutting plan and costings.
These courses provide a therapeutic practice and hands-on work-related skills. They encourage care and attention to detail, timekeeping, problem solving and the ability to fulfil a brief.
