The University of Brighton has employed the social enterprise Sussex Central YMCA to paint the corridors of the University of Brighton’s Grand Parade building, following their successful bid for the contract to work with the university.

The Sussex Central YMCA Painting and Decorating Team, was set up in 2009, operating from offices based in Brighton and Crawely and currently employ eight young people. Their aim is to help young people get their foot on the employment ladder, especially those who have been long term unemployed, by offering them the opportunity to gain practical work based skills through courses and apprenticeship schemes, and in some cases the chance of employment.

These supported roles enable young people to earn, gain work based skills and get the hours of practice they need for NVQ qualifications, which usually entail attending college one day a week.

Of the team of five who worked on the university contract, some had completed their painting and decorating NVQ qualification, others were apprentices and one was employed full time by Sussex Central YMCA.

David Standing, Chief Executive of YMCA Sussex Central said: “I visited the YMCA Painting and Decorating Team. We chatted to Danny and his team of 4 apprentices who were very positive and enthusiastic about their work, and felt they had learned a lot. It’s a great scheme and we really value the partnerships we have.”

Sam has finished his Painting and Decorating NVQ level3 and Danny, now the painting and decorating co-ordinator, has been with the group since it began three and a half years ago, after being unemployed for a year.

Danny Skinner said: “The YMCA has helped me progress from a trainee to a team leader in the three years I’ve been working for them. I enjoy the challenges put in front of me.”

Ashley Ivring, painting and decorating NVQ apprentice said: “I enjoy working with the team and love the variety of work we get, it’s a great learning experience.”

Peter Colmer, Sussex Central YMCA Health, Safety and Facilitators Manager said: “It’s inspiring to see these young men so committed, with fantastic work ethic. This is a great opportunity for the young people to get a qualification and earn, as well as experience working on a range of big contracts.”

John Ritson, University of Brighton Site Manager said: ‘We thought it was a good opportunity to support an organisation that helps young people get back into work. The lads did a really good job. We were really pleased with it, so please in fact that we asked them to come back and do some more work for us.”

Bethan Prosser from Cupp at the University of Brighton said: “It’s been great to see this particular partnership develop from the initial enquiry. It is a brilliant example of how working with the local community can bring benefits all round.”