An Assisted Apprentice Scheme currently running at the Maidstone YMCA sports and community centre is reaping rewards for both young people and staff.
The scheme, funded by Kent County Council and coordinated by at the centre by Maidstone YMCA, has seen two apprentices pass through the door, picking up essential work skills on the way.
One apprentice, Matthew Whyatt, completed his course last year and is now working part-time at the sports and community centre as a fitness instructor and part-time working externally as an NHS health trainer.
A second, Patrick Davies, 21, is half way through his course and well on the way to gaining his NVQ Level Two in Customer Service. Both Matthew and Patrick have Asperger syndrome and were taken on to the Assisted Apprenticeship Scheme by the local authority.
Patrick, from Coxheath, near Maidstone, said: “I’m enjoying the scheme much more than I imagined. It’s a close knit team at the gym and I’m getting on well with all my colleagues.
“I actually had two interviews before I started here; one for an IT role and another for a more general placement, but my work now covers both areas. I did IT at Mid Kent College and it’s something I really enjoy.
“I’m learning a lot of new general purpose skills that are going to be useful for me in and out of work in the future.”
Matthew added: “When I first started [at Maidstone YMCA] I was quite nervous and cautious but as time started to go on I fell more and more in love with the place and its staff.
“I would like to thank all the staff at the YMCA past and present for their continued love and support and, it’s true what they say, you’re only as good as the team around you.”
The Assisted Apprenticeship Scheme is fully funded by Kent County Council and gives young people who may have a disability or who may have struggled in education the chance to gain NVQ qualifications.
Stewart Mackie, Maidstone YMCA Centre Manager, said: “The scheme is beneficial to both the young people who come through and also to us as a sports centre.
“We get an extra pair of hands around the gym and the young people get access to employment, skills and qualifications they may otherwise have struggled to get. Patrick, for instance, came in to support our customer service department but, by talking to him, we discovered he has amazing IT skills which we are now able to harness.
“The scheme fits in perfectly with our aims to support the community and we look forward to welcoming more apprentices next year. We’re incredibly proud of what Matthew and Patrick have achieved so far.”
Roger Gough, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It is very encouraging to hear success stories like these. I am delighted that both Matthew and Patrick are doing so well, I wish them every success for the future.
“Currently, the Kent County Council Assisted Apprenticeship scheme has 60 places on offer for vulnerable young people across Kent so if anyone knows of someone who may qualify please get in touch.”
Maidstone YMCA offers the local community access to activities including a fitness suite, group exercise studio, purpose-built pre school, crèche, 3G all-weather football pitches and Y café.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. For more information on the YMCA England and its manifesto recommendations around youth mental health, visit www.ymca.org.uk/what-we-do/policy/manifesto
To find out more about the Kent County Council Assisted Apprenticeship scheme please call 03000 41 40 05 or email assistedapprenticeships@kent.gov.uk.