Istruzione e Formazione
Merger Positions YMCA as a Major Provider of Education to Young People
Central YMCA - the UK's leading health, fitness and education charity, and the world's first YMCA - has enhanced its reputation as a major player in the field of youth employment training with the acquisition of established training-provider YMCA Training.
The two, previously autonomous charities, joined forces on 1 December 2013 , creating an education-focussed national charity with the reach to impact upon the lives of more than 60,000 people across the UK every year.
Both Central YMCA and YMCA Training boast a long history of providing education to young people seeking to enter the employment market. Combined, however, the new look charity will employ around 520 people across 26 locations around the UK, and turn over in excess of £23million a year.
The move is seen by both charities as a natural strengthening of the services, reach and resources of two large YMCAs who, having worked together in the past across areas such as apprenticeships, qualification development and eLearning, are now set to hit the ground running as a joined-up provider of training.
Rosi Prescott , CEO of Central YMCA, who will lead the new organisation, said; "Both organisations share a deep, historic concern for the development and success of young people, we see this as the challenge of our time. In joining together we recognise the complementary nature of our ambition, values and impact. The contribution of the voluntary sector to address a wide range of social issues and inequalities is well recognised, and working together we will become even stronger and more effective."
Anne Linsey , Managing Director of YMCA Training, added; "We are passionate about creating successful futures for young people, and making sure they are equipped with the skills, qualifications and experience to succeed. We want to do more and the merger will allow us to develop the capacity and resource to invest in new products, opportunities and initiatives and use our combined skills and expertise to enhance our reach into communities across the country."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Central YMCA is the UK's leading health, fitness and education charity and the world's first YMCA, established in 1844. Through a unique blend of education, training and activity, Central YMCA works across the health, fitness and wellbeing sectors to achieve its vision; helping young people and those with a specific need to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.
http://www.ymca.co.uk
Established in 1978 YMCA Training works from dedicated locations and employer premises throughout the UK to inspire, develop and transform the lives of young people and adults through work-related training and employment support.
http://www.ymcatraining.org.uk
For further information please contact Jane Holgate -jane.holgate@centralymca.org.uk - +44-(0)7850-571650