YDB Trainees Make the Grade with “Home Work” Program

On November 4, 2011, Young Detroit Builders trainees became certified painters. Our students participated in Sherwin-Williams’ week-long “Home Work” training program.

More than two dozen of

YDB trainee painting a room as part of the Sherwin-Williams "Home Work" program

our students worked hard learning about all the aspects of painting, from how to use lead safe practices to applying paint to different paintbrushes and surfaces.

Retired Sherwin-Williams district manager, Bill Allman, was the instructor for the program at YDB. The first few days were spent in the classroom; where students learned about equipment use, safety and an introduction to union and apprentice job programs. Afterwards, they spent time on an actual job site to put their knowledge to the test; preparing surfaces, patching walls and of course, painting. Upon completion of “Home Work,” they received certifications that they can use to make themselves more marketable for employment.

“Home Work” is a program that trains inner-city residents in professional painting. It is an effort by Sherwin-Williams to revitalize Detroit and provide our students with additional skill trades. Partners of “Home Work” are the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state and local governments. The program first began in Tampa, Florida in 2004 and has made it mark in other cities including San Fransisco, Baltimore, Cleveland and right here in Detroit.