New beginnings
In 1978 the UK went into a deep recession, which resulted in a
high level of unemployment. As a result, YMCA Training was founded
to help people find new opportunities though work, and give them
the chance to play a more fulfilling role in their communities by
offering support and vocational training.
To this day, we give individuals of any age, from any
background, the chance learn new skills and find new ways to fulfil
their potential - so that they can play an important part in both
their environment at work and in their communities.
Read more
About
Us
The global YMCA movement
YMCA Training is just one part of the wider global YMCA
movement, working in 120 countries across the globe.
The YMCA movement was founded by George Williams
in 1844, who originally trained as a Draper's apprentice before
moving to London.
George Williams formed the first YMCA as a result of seeing the
poor working conditions and lifestyles that his colleagues had to
suffer. Even now, YMCA holds true to George Williams' strong
values; to improve the quality of people's lives all over the
world.
Read more about
the global YMCA movement.
Independent charity
In 2002, we became an independent charity in its own right,
affiliated to the National Council of YMCAs. In the years following
this exciting move, the organisation has branched out and developed
in new areas, such as through our work with schools. In recent
years it has also established strong partnerships with large
UK-wide employers such as Tesco and B&Q.