Trainees who commit to the programme can expect to spend six to eight weeks learning a variety of painting and decorating techniques. In Summer 2010 the programme was expanded to give all trainees the option of learning an additional skill, tiling on different surfaces.
Trainees who finish the programme are awarded an Open College Network qualification and given the further opportunity of a 'taster session,' working with St Mungo's Broadway painting and decorating social enterprise company, ReVive, on a live project.
Course Tutor Steve Huggins said:
"Our main aim is to give our clients more than enough training to enable them to move into paid work, employment or on to further training. The course has has had a very positive effect on the lives of all our trainees. We work hard to keep them motivated and engaged and recommend them for other training programmes which helps to keep them inspired. We found that trainees who have moved into their own flats have gone on to use their new skills to decorate their homes."
We've received many positive comments from clients who have successfully completed the course and recommended it to their peers. This is one of the many comments:
"This painting and decorating course got me better at something I was interested in doing and has got me experience in it. The course has also kept me off the roads doing negative things and now I am doing positive things like passing my CSCS test. In the future I would like to own my painting and decorating company." C. A
In 2010 the Guardian broadcast an interview on their website with clients and members of staff on the painting and decorating course. The interview highlights the need for employment training and opportunities for homeless people. View it here (there is a short advert at the beginning).
For its innovative approach to helping homeless people back into work and training, ReVive has been awarded in the 2010 SPARKS Challenge Award. Read the press announcement here.