Young people supported by Barking and Dagenham Youth Justice Service are building brighter futures through a partnership with The Skill Mill, an award-winning social enterprise that provides paid employment, training and progression opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds with previous convictions.
The Skill Mill actively works to reduce reoffending while increasing young people's engagement, participation, employability and education levels. Since launching, it has employed hundreds of young people across England, with the vast majority going on to build positive futures.
Participants are employed for six months, receiving a wage, insurance cover, annual leave, sick pay and ongoing support throughout the programme. During this time, they gain practical experience, industry-recognised qualifications and exposure to a range of trades including bricklaying, tiling, plastering, dry lining, painting and decorating.
The first Barking and Dagenham cohort has already achieved a bricklaying qualification and gained Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, which allow them to work on construction sites across the UK.
As part of the programme, the young people have completed a series of projects benefiting local communities. One of their biggest achievements has been transforming accessible growing spaces at Becontree Allotment. Working alongside volunteers, they replaced old, rotting wooden planters with new brick-built raised beds for a local disability group, creating sustainable spaces where members can grow fruit and vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, beetroot and rhubarb.
The cohort has also undertaken improvements at Marks Gate Community Centre, carried out grounds maintenance at Fanshawe Community Centre, repaired furniture for Chadwell Heath Library and completed tiling and decorating work at Ted Ball Hall.
Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Education & Schools:
"Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a positive future, regardless of the challenges they may have faced in the past. Through our partnership with The Skill Mill, young people in Barking and Dagenham are gaining real work experience, recognised qualifications and the confidence to take their next steps into employment. It's fantastic to see the difference they are already making in our communities while developing valuable skills that will support them for years to come."
Throughout the programme, participants receive regular reviews, support from The Skill Mill team and opportunities to build relationships with local employers and contractors, increasing their chances of securing long-term employment.
The current cohort will complete the programme in December, with a new group set to begin shortly afterwards. The partnership continues to provide valuable opportunities for young people who are not in education, employment or training, helping them gain the skills, qualifications and experience needed to succeed in the future.
If anyone has suitable community based/beneficial projects in the borough, please contact lonnie.robinson@theskillmill.org or martin.rinvolucri@theskillmill.org