Beau “If you want something enjoyable, FTA is the place to be.”
Sporty Beau aspires to have her own Personal Training business
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17-year-old Beau from Islington has always been sporty. Although her GCSE grades were mostly Bs and Cs, she wasn’t keen on university.
The YMCA’s Fitness Training Academyoffers Beau the opportunity to combine her love of sport with a practical way of making a living. Beau looks forward to setting up her own Personal Training business one day…
“Physical Education has always been my favourite subject at school – it makes me happy. At school, I was in the cricket team, football team and netball team. I like to keep myself active! I wanted to pursue a career in health and fitness such as a Personal Trainer or Physiotherapist. I’ve always had that mind-set.
“Revising with books is not for me – I’d rather be active”
When my sixth form dropped PE as an A Level, I needed to find a similar course elsewhere. I heard about YMCA’s Fitness Training Academy through a school friend who goes to the YMCA Club. The course looked interesting and was only 20 mins away from where I lived.
This qualification will help me start up my Personal Training business. My family support me doing this rather than going to university because I’m not that academic. Revising with books is not for me – I’d rather be active.
In the mornings during the course, we’re in the YMCA Club using the machines. As students, we pair up, personally train each other and run through each other’s exercise programmes. In the afternoons, we do theory such as the principles of fitness and the anatomy of physiology.
“The people on my course are great”
Everyone is so welcoming at the YMCA Club, which is nice. It’s not a patronising environment. The people on my course are great – I get on with everyone. Having them with me in the gym makes it a better experience. I’m with people who make me feel different.
On the course, I enjoy going to the gym the most and doing different exercises. I also like the theory which is interesting – it keeps me engaged. I like keeping active because it takes my mind off things. When I go to the gym, my endorphins are released. I feel happier and in a good place. If I’m having problems with my friends or family, in the gym, my problems disappear, which is nice.
Exercising in the morning is the most challenging thing. We come in and the Tutor throws us in the deep end. Sometimes the theory can be complicated and hard to get my head around, but in the end I get it.
“This course has changed me in a good way”
I would encourage people to do this course because it keeps you active and in the gym for two days per week. You learn how the body works, which is interesting and it gives you a better understanding of how eating certain foods can impact the body.
I’m doing something practical during the day, whereas if I was at college, it would be constantly academic.
This course has changed me in a good way. I’ve always got a goal to work towards and I achieve it to the best of my ability.
If you want to be fulfilled, this course is the place to be.”
Arvinda Gohil explains how to achieve authentic engagement with the people we support
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Why is it important to mirror the communities we support in the workplace? Our new CEO, Arvinda Gohil, has years of experience working with diverse people groups. Arvinda shares her thoughts on how organisations like the YMCA can truly be inclusive and diverse…
I have worked in several place based organisations around the country. My observations over the years (not statistically validated), but none the less worth noting is that these organisations on the whole tend to reflect the community they work with. I would go as far as to say that these organisations have given opportunity for the local community to engage economically through the employment opportunities provided. Some of this is of course by design as leaders in those organisations care deeply and pay attention to the importance of community engagement not only in service delivery but also in its governance structures.
So what is this special ingredient that enables this mirroring to work so strongly and why is it important?
It is only when we are able to demonstrate empathy, a true desire to support and a genuine commitment to assist people regardless of how they present, and the complexity of their lives that we are able to work with and show empathy for people in need of support.
People from these communities for a myriad of reasons, have on the whole failed to secure roles in the main stream. These communities are generally poorer with lower attainment levels and lacking role models could be some of the reasons.
The ‘mainstream’ does however present a mode of operation and a way of conducting oneself, which is often alien to people in communities.
People from these communities, myself included, have actively chosen to work in these organisations. It has been a particular personal driver for me.
What is so special about this mirroring and why it works in some organisations and not others, is the question I have pondered for many years. I do not assume I have the answer but I do believe one of the key ingredients is the ability to relate, show humility, care and attention that mirrors culturally, socially, economically and ethnically.
Only when we stop treating people who come through our doors as ‘other’, as ‘disadvantaged’, as ‘needy’, ‘in need’, requiring ‘help and support’, can we truly begin to be organisations that genuinely reflect communities we aspire to work with. Yes, it is us that aspire to work with them and we recognise that we are all in some way or another, at some points in our lives, users of support and services. We are all at some time likely to use the NHS at some time in our lives, the Chemist, social services, etc.
We are all the community and we are all equal members and participants in this community, however you may define that community. If we do not in organisations look and feel like the community we live and work in, we will never succeed. We will always remain the ‘other’.
This special cocktail of ingredients is often overlooked and undervalued and yet in community based organisations, it is what sets them apart. The ability to mirror a person’s ethnicity, gender, experience and similar life chances makes the quality of engagement and dialogue something special and precious. It helps us create empathy and understanding that goes beyond the need to talk the same language.
In building a team that is able to achieve this special cocktail, employing an excellent skilled youth worker is as important as their ethnicity, gender, socio economic group and many other such traits. We have failed to recognise that these traits are as important as the technical experience of working with young people, older people, women, and so on. It is this approach that creates authenticity, a sense of belonging and brings about its own magic. It not only demonstrates to the community that we are of and from them, but also demonstrates to society at large that these places are what makes our country such a unique and special place.
Marc is a qualified Swimming Teacher who volunteers at the YMCA’s award winning Positive Strokes Swimming Club.
Positive Strokes is part of Positive Health, which has been helping people living with HIV, keep fit, since 1997. When Marc first joined, he was at a real low point, but thanks to its nurturing environment, he’s turned his life around and now giving back to the cause he’s most passionate about.
Positive Strokes, which was established in 2015, is entirely run by volunteers like Marc and takes place in the YMCA Club’s pool every Friday. It comprises of three groups – beginners, intermediate and advanced.
It currently has around 30 members – men and women from different areas, all ages, all walks of life and varied swimming ability who are living with HIV. Some are recently coming to terms with their new diagnosis and others have been living with HIV for many years. Whatever their background or ability, Positive Strokes aims to help people feel good about themselves in a stigma-free environment.
Positive Strokes’ phenomenal work was recognised in 2017 when it won the ‘David Sparkes Award’ during the Swim England National Awards. Several swimmers from the club have even taken part in international competitions and have come back with medals. Today, Marc is proud to be part of its success, but there were times in his life when his confidence hit rock bottom.
“My lowest point was having to hide it from everybody”
Marc was diagnosed with HIV 25 years ago as a young professional in his twenties. As an ambitious full-time Account Manager in the financial sector, he felt unable to talk about what he was going through:
“I hated hiding, but I couldn’t come out in the environment I was in. I had already come out as a gay man which was very stressful, but to come out again 25 years ago with this huge thing was a big deal. I couldn’t talk about it. Juggling hospital appointments, medication, managing a new regime and a busy working life, while not being able to talk to anybody, was really difficult.
I’m not saying they wouldn’t have accepted it, but you don’t want to be treated differently. You want the same opportunities as everybody else, so you keep it a secret. I managed to cope, but a lot of people can’t. Luckily, I was never that sick, but a lot of people I know were very sick and only had a few weeks or months to live. Some of my friends died.”
“I lost myself”
Although this was a difficult time, six years ago Marc hit another low when he was made redundant and his relationship broke down. After 21 years in the same job, it was a big shock. He decided to go travelling for a year across South America, which was a great experience, but when he got back, he broke up with his partner:
“I had a terrible break-up and I was out of work for a good three years. I went through a very rough time and I was in a dark place. When we broke up, I didn’t really do anything – I just wasted my time and went down a route which wasn’t very pleasant. I was hanging out with the wrong people, doing the wrong things and I wasn’t looking after myself. I was doing things for everybody else and completely forgot what my needs were – I woke up one day and didn’t even know what music I liked anymore. I lost myself.”
The only way is up!
Like all Positive Health members, Marc was referred by his HIV doctor. He’d always been sporty and used to play a lot of basketball, badminton and tennis. He used to love snowboarding too but due to a back injury caused by degenerative discs, he had to stop all impact sports. After several operations, he became less agile and needed a new way of keeping fit. He wasn’t keen on the gym so he gave swimming a go:
“I wanted to feel good about myself, get fitter again and become more sociable because I had become a recluse. I tried a swimming lesson and loved it! It opened up new horizons for me – it was a re-birth really and Fridays became my focus point. I really looked forward to my swimming lessons – it was the nice thing that happened to me during the week. Little by little, I felt better about myself, became more sociable and met more people. The Teachers at Positive Strokes were so encouraging, positive and motivating – I’m so grateful to them for helping me find my way.”
Not the death sentence it once was
Although HIV is no longer the death sentence that was once widely reported in the 1980s, living with HIV still has its challenges. Depending on individual virus levels in the blood, people still have a weak immune system so might be more prone to infection such as pneumonia.
Marc must take medication twice a day and gets his blood checked every three to six months. Over time, many people become resistant to their medication. In Marc’s case, since his diagnosis 25 years ago, he has become resistant to several drugs:
“You have to get used to a new regime which may not agree with you. The side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or numbness. Every time you have to change drugs it can be stressful because you’re narrowing your options. Although there are new drugs available, if you try them and become resistant to all of them, you feel stuck..”
Also, there is still some stigma attached to the virus so many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their status at work or with their friends or family:
“They’re still kind of closeted in a way. There’s still a negative image of people who are HIV+. Some people tend to think you’re weaker or you’re in ill health or you might be needy or have mental health issues. We might need help occasionally, but we’re not in the situation where we can’t do stuff. We can be perfectly sporty and do as much exercise as we want and be HIV+. Many of us enter international competitions and win medals. We can be as good as anybody else. Yes, we take a lot of medication and we may have some health issues, but it doesn’t mean we can’t flourish like anybody else.”
Positive Strokes empowers people living with HIV to talk about their treatment and how they feel. No one has to hide – they feel liberated and their self-confidence grows. It enables them to get back into exercise when they thought exercise just wasn’t for them. For people who don’t really know who to turn to, a social and active club like Positive Strokes can be hugely beneficial.
“I love the fact that I can give something back”
Marc admits that his former career was all-consuming, leaving little time for others. Now having broken free from the shackles of the corporate world, Marc – originally from Switzerland – now teaches part-time, which enables him to volunteer at Positive Strokes every Friday. He takes great pleasure in seeing others progress:
“When my career suddenly stopped, I started to see all sorts of people – I saw another world. At Positive Strokes, I meet people who I wouldn’t have met before who have a completely different lifestyle and quality of life to me – these are real people. I wanted to give back because Positive Strokes gave me a lot. It was what I needed at that time and they helped me to get out of the hole I was stuck in. I don’t think I would be in the happy space that I’m in now without Positive Strokes.
I’ve seen incredible results – I love seeing the transformation in our swimmers. We have some men and women who are so scared of water and then six months down the line, they can do several lengths and can swim freely – it’s really gratifying. They feel much better about themselves – their health, fitness and overall wellbeing is improving. I never thought I would be a qualified Swimming Teacher – it hadn’t crossed my mind before. I couldn’t be happier doing it. I’m going to carry on volunteering here because I love doing it.”
Meet Ryan, who recently realised that through most of his adult life he has lived with anxiety
Ryan Palmer, our Chief Revenue Officer here at Central YMCA, has agreed to share his story of mental health and anxiety with us. In doing so, he has set an example and shown us that addressing your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness but shows us your strength and is absolutely crucial for your wellbeing.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we are joining the fight to get people thinking and talking about their mental health and trying to remove the stigma around it.
Ryan Palmer, our Chief Revenue Officer here at Central YMCA, has agreed to share his story of mental health and anxiety with us. In doing so, he has set an example and shown us that addressing your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness but shows us your strength and is absolutely crucial for your wellbeing.
If you are struggling to cope, we urge you to speak to someone you trust or to call a free helpline such as the Samaritans (116 123 – UK and Ireland).
“We are delighted to welcome Keir Starmer back to Central YMCA to share the breadth of services we have on offer which support our community particularly in our recovery from the impact of the pandemic.” – Arvinda Gohil, Chief Executive
Keir Starmer met learners, volunteers, members and staff in a visit to the world’s first YMCA, located in his constituency of Holborn and St. Pancras and heard about the Charity’s work aimed at strengthening communities and breaking down barriers through programmes in health and education.
Central YMCA support the local authority’s commitment to ‘Flourishing Lives’ and to the Borough’s health and well-being strategy ‘Start, Live and Age Well’ – themes that sit within the charity’s own passion and commitment. Through Keir and his team we look forward to contributing to these innovative strategies for the area.
Keir heard from participants in the Charity’s many community programmes ranging from their school P.E. provision, playschemes, youth employability and development programmes, an exercise referral programme for people living with HIV and an extensive programme aimed at keeping older adults active and healthy.
“It’s fantastic to come back to Central YMCA again and see the incredible work they are doing in the community, particularly with schools and young people, which has a huge impact not only on physical health and mental health but also on the education and skills that young people need. An inspiring visit.”
– Keir Starmer
Keir spoke with Arvinda Gohil, Central YMCA’s Chief Executive and Andrew Beal, Chair of the Board of Trustees about the Charity’s ambition to work more closely with communities and organisations post-pandemic to support more people in the Borough.
“We are delighted to welcome Keir Starmer back to Central YMCA to share the breadth of services we have on offer which support our community particularly in our recovery from the impact of the pandemic.”
– Arvinda Gohil, Central YMCA Chief Executive
While there, he had a Q&A session with young people participating in one of Central YMCA’s employability programmes, the ‘Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike’ a 2-year course which gives young people aged 16 to 18 with qualifications, work experience and career support they need to succeed in the modern economy.
Keir presented the young learners with certificates including best attendance and progression of the month and had discussions of the barriers and challenges which they face today as well as the impact which the pandemic has had in their lives, education and their view of the future.
It’s never too early or late to make that career change
Claire
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Claire went from being a professional hairdresser to a Horticulture Apprentice
After 20 years in the beauty industry, Claire Stansfield from Huddersfield decided to make a drastic change to help her reach new goals and dreams. Claire decided Central YMCA could help her gain the skills and knowledge to be a competent Horticulturist via the Apprenticeship programme. Claire’s story reminds us it’s never too early or too late to make that career change and learn a new skill. Apprenticeships are offered to people aged 16-65, which means you can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change, or are upskilling in your current job.
Claire went from being a professional hairdresser to a Horticulture Apprentice and is now learning about an entirely new industry through hands-on learning at Nurture Landscapes – a landscape maintenance company, and also with the help of her tutor Chris Turner at Central YMCA. Claire’s future desire is to continue climbing the ladder of the Horticulture industry, so watch this space!
How I rebuilt my life after a car accident left me in a wheelchair
Jade
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Jade Simmons got her life back on track and found a new career with help from us following a serious car accident.
For Jade Simmons, it was a life-changing decision that led to a career in fitness – six years after being told that she would never walk again.
“I had mild to moderate brain damage. I was on a lot of medication and needed 24-hour care,” she recalls. “I couldn’t do the basic things like having a bath on my own or making a cup of tea.”
Jade, 25, first came to the YMCA gym, back in 2007. She hoped to rebuild her strength and combat the mild depression she encountered following a serious car accident which hospitalised her for three months and left wheelchair bound through most of her recovery period.
Personal development
With help from Club staff, Jade’s exercise programme aimed at increasing her walking and strengthening her weaker left-hand side: “It was the best thing that ever happened to me and I loved it.” She went from strength to strength and, before long, had completed a Coachability course that enabled her to help others with similar disabilities to become more active.
Jade started to turn the seemingly impossible, back to possible. Gaining a YMCAfit Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, followed by a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, Jade’s determination grew.
“My instructor was fantastic and really understanding. He helped make things simple and easier to take in, and really helped with my confidence. You would never guess I came from being in a wheelchair.”
Fighting fit
Jade now works as a Personal Trainer, something she’d never dreamed of before her accident – she plans to keep studying ante- and postnatal exercises in the future. Another positive gained from becoming a PT, is how much Jade enjoys helping her clients achieve their goals.
“I want to work with lots of different types of clients, and I want to feel this way about personal training forever,” she says. “I still have pain and difficulties and get stressed out at various times – but without help from YMCAfit I don’t know where I would be today.”
Watch video
Hear Jade talk about her inspiring journey from car accident to successful career.
Tommy, who completed a Horticulture apprenticeship with Central YMCA, and work experience at Potters Resort, achieved a triple distinction! He’s shared the journey to his success in this interview.
Congratulations on a triple distinction result Tommy, how did you start out and what was your previous experience?
I left school and successfully completed my A-level studies in environmental studies, biology, geography, and geology. Horticulture was not an option! After completing my A-levels, I came to work for local company Potters Resort. I started working in the restaurant, but I was very fortunate to be mentored by Andrew Broom, company owner, he encouraged me to go for a role in the grounds team as he could see my potential for the apprenticeship vacancy. The company nurtured me from day one to go for it, with the training available both in-house and through Central YMCA. I signed up to the apprenticeship program and worked alongside the existing apprentice. My plant knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject was noted by the team and my supervisor and mentor Vinny, who inspired me to learn as much as possible. He had a very interesting career and supported me throughout my training.
Best thing about the horticulture industry?
I love working with plants, so job satisfaction, working outside, always learning new skills, and recognition when visitors and staff comment on how great the site looks. My skills tutor has given me great career advice and I’m excited for what the future holds.
Worst thing about horticulture industry?
There isn’t anything, I like working outside and I’m happy amongst the plants, working on my own or as part of the team.
Best thing about being a trainee apprentice?
Opportunities to learn from others, not being expected to know everything as people are encouraging you to learn on the job. No student debt, and I’m now able to consider setting up my own business.
Advice to anyone considering apprenticeship in horticulture?
Go for it! Good pay and opportunities and it’s such an interesting and enjoyable career.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Maybe up a tree! I’m aiming to get my Climbing and Felling Certificates through Potters. I’ve just completed a Cherry Picker licence so we can take on the maintenance of trees on site. I’m also considering a career in Forestry, Trees and Timber or Conservation sector, also I think I’d like to set up my own Garden Maintenance business, maybe even to train up an apprentice one day! It’s all about job satisfaction for me. My tutor, Melody, is encouraging me to enter the young horticulturalist of the year competition next year so watch this space.
Caitlin: “I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout”
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Your first visit to a new gym can sometimes be overwhelming as you are confronted by an array of different, and sometimes intimidating, gym equipment.
There’s the treadmill and the bike – those are familiar to us, but what about the indoor rowing machine? This is a piece of equipment that is often overlooked because a) it’s not clear what the benefits of using the indoor rowing machine are and b) it looks a bit complicated to operate.
So, what are the benefits of indoor rowing?
YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career
17-year-old Caitlin Harris from Scunthorpe has just completed her Level 1 in Health and Social care and is now looking forward to progressing into Level 2, but not so long ago, things were very different. When Caitlin was first referred to us she had had a very negative experience with education and she was very resistant about studying again. Her mum was extremely worried as she was becoming increasingly anxious and refusing to leave the house. Our Tutors had many conversations with her mum and took gentle steps so that she felt comfortable, and we slowly accompanied her through all the stages, from application to induction and into an online classroom so that she could learn from home.
Caitlin: “I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout.”
“I’ve always had a bad experience with education and never really enjoyed learning. Whether that was because of my anxiety or simply not getting along with the teacher. Joining YMCA has changed that, I love my tutor and I look forward to every session with her. While applying, I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout.”
Elaina, Caitlin’s Mum: “YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career.”
“Words can’t explain how much you have helped my daughter to progress in her future. Without you showing commitment towards her I dread to think where she would be today.
Thanks to you all she has begun to gain confidence in her own ability and can see what she’s capable of achieving. YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career.
It felt like all the doors were closed and we were in a dark place and you came along and opened a door to let the light back in and show the opportunities. I can’t ever thank you enough for giving my daughter her smile back.”
Donna Booth, Caitlin’s Tutor: “Our learners are at the centre of everything we do.”
“Caitlin began her journey saying very little and doubting her abilities to complete assignments. She had a wobble at the beginning but with a greater level of pastoral support from the whole team, smaller classroom sizes, and one-to-one sessions, Caitlin has flourished.
Our learners are at the centre of everything we do and we are proud to work with learners with additional needs and significant barriers.
Caitlin has completed her Award in Health and Social Care in excellent time and to a great standard. She has begun to share ideas, which are always relevant and meaningful. Caitlin is always a pleasure to teach, and it would be great to see her move from her comfort zone and into a classroom setting where she can really stretch herself and perhaps meet new people and make friends.”
19-year-old Elle wins YMCA Apprentice of the Year Award
Elle Smith
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YMCA Business Administration Apprentice
19-year-old Elle Smith from Doncaster, has been recognised for her outstanding achievement at Healthwatch Doncaster. From disenchanted schoolgirl to committed, passionate employee with a purpose, Elle shares her story…
At school, Elle struggled with classroom learning, especially maths. She didn’t know what she wanted out of life and – by her own admission – “didn’t care.” Elle’s mum wanted her to go to university and become a nurse, but Elle wasn’t keen:
“I felt pressurised. I didn’t want to do that.”
In 2017, Elle’s school told her about a local YMCA apprenticeship scheme at Healthwatch Doncaster – an independent organisation, which shapes health and social care services. Elle had an informal chat with Central YMCA and Healthwatch and agreed to a six week trial. Initially, she was put on a YMCA study programme, which enabled her to pass her maths exam, which she never thought she would achieve:
“Maths has been the most challenging thing out of the whole experience. I really didn’t like maths. I didn’t think I could pass it, but everyone has been so supportive and really helped me to get through it.”
Overcoming a negative mindset
She started her YMCA apprenticeship at Healthwatch –– where she achieved her Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration. This is a City and Guilds qualification that has enabled her to progress onto her Level 3 Diploma, which she hopes to complete in March. Elle is surprised by her award:
“I’m shocked and amazed that I’ve actually won this award. I’m really proud – this is one of my biggest ever achievements in life.”
Such was Elle’s commitment and enthusiasm to learning during her apprenticeship, she went on to secure a full-time, permanent role as Healthwatch’s ‘Engagement Support Officer’, but her attitude to life was very different when she was younger:
“My parents wanted me to do well, but I didn’t really want it for myself. I had a negative mindset – I really didn’t care about what grades I got or how well I did in life when I left school. I didn’t know who I was. I was influenced by a group of friends who weren’t bothered.
I’m embarrassed about the mindset I had and how I acted. Central YMCA and Healthwatch Doncaster have changed my mindset through different experiences. Now I do care about my future. I’ve learnt a lot about what a work place is, how to prepare for interviews, what to wear, what to say, how to act and how to succeed. Now I want to do well. My parents are proud of how far I’ve come.”
Gaining valuable skills
Elle’s apprenticeship has given her focus, direction, confidence and passion for a cause she now believes in. She’s gained many new and valuable skills. Elle reflects on her journey:
“I’ve been on a lot of training and have developed from an apprentice into an Engagement Officer. I couldn’t be more grateful! It feels good to be part of the Healthwatch Doncaster team.
This apprenticeship has been the best thing I’ve ever done. The YMCA has been amazing. I’d definitely recommend them because everyone is so supportive from start to finish, especially my tutor, Mo, who has been so understanding. They listen and understand because they have had people in my situation before.
I’m glad that I’ve been given an opportunity to do an apprenticeship and actually get a full time job out of it. If I didn’t have this opportunity, I’m not sure where I would be today. Life is really good now.”
Proud of their employee
Elle’s role entails answering calls and signposting people, administration and face to face public engagement on a range of services including mental health and missed hospital appointments.
Andrew Goodall, Chief Operating Officer at Healthwatch Doncaster is delighted with Elle’s recognition:
“I’m really pleased that Elle has been nominated and selected as YMCA’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ winner. It makes us really proud at Healthwatch Doncaster to know that our apprenticeship scheme and support for employee development, enables our apprentices to achieve success at a national level.
Thank you YMCA for the help and support that you have given Elle. Your dedication and enthusiasm for learning and development has enabled her to complete her courses successfully and progress into a full time job as valuable member of our team.”
Onwards and upwards
Elle has been at Healthwatch Doncaster for two years now and is keen to progress further. She has no regrets:
“It’s really worked for me. I want to do more training and development because I’ve still got a lot to learn. I want to build on my knowledge and skills. I’d definitely recommend the YMCA apprenticeship scheme. If you don’t know what you want to do, try it out, especially if you’re not into classroom learning like me. Give it a go!”
Central YMCA is an Ofsted accredited education provider that delivers vocational learning in 11 centres across the UK. Apprenticeships are a cost effective way of recruiting new talent and upskilling existing staff.
