YMCA Exeter join Exeter City Council in pilot work experience programme

Six young residents from YMCA Exeter were invited to spend a time a day at the Civic Centre to pilot a new programme which aims to introduce homeless people into employment at the Council. 

The Christian youth charity, who have existed in Exeter since 1846, provide services in Supported Accommodation, Training and Employment, and Health and Wellbeing.

The residents from YMCA Exeter, who have all experienced homelessness, were given a tour of eight different City Council departments including, Environmental Health, Tourism, Economy and Open Spaces.

They were then invited to complete a feedback form indicating which department they would like to gain work experience in.

Jane Spain, Co-ordinator of YMCA Exeter’s Employment Support said: “We are extremely grateful to all the staff at Exeter City Council who made our tour of their departments so interesting and informative.

The residents who attended were fully engaged throughout the day and were hugely impacted by the professionalism, efficiency and quality of services the council provide.

All six residents are keen to follow up on the offer of work experience and undertake placements in the days and weeks to come.”

Jade Earle, HR Partner at Exeter City Council said: “Exeter City Council are committed to helping the local community and have initiated a pilot scheme, working with the YMCA and Job Centre Plus, introducing nominated members of the local homeless community to work experience opportunities within the Council.

We hope by giving this opportunity we can provide valuable learning and experience which could improve chances of the nominated members gaining employment.”

YMCA resident, Jonathan, said: “I had a great day down seeing what the Council do. It has made me realise how much they really do help the city, I respect them a 100% and I’m look forward to starting my work experience.”

To find out more about the services YMCA Exeter provide, visit www.ymcaexeter.org.uk.