The Sherwin Williams Paint Company began it first Annapolis Home-Work Paint Training Program in July 2007.  Now entering its fourth year, many trainees have enthusiastically attended the classes.  While the economy has presented challenges in gaining employment, some participants have started their own businesses to enhance their earning potential. “These students have really gotten involved in learning the course,” said trainer, Art “AC” Mayer of the 2007, 08, and 09 classes.

The participants, over the past three years, have included African American males and African American females, Hispanic males and one Hispanic female, mothers and sons, fathers and son, sisters and brothers and a list other residents throughout Anne Arundel County.  The program offers a wonderful opportunity for partnerships with private contractors and the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, through which a few participants have gained temporary employment.  By developing a lifelong entrepreneurial skill, each participant has left the course with a refreshed sense of hope, pride, and determination. We thank Sherwin Williams for providing complete financial support for this ten-day training program that teaches usable skills which will, with personal determination, lead to opportunities within the painting and construction industries.

The following was included as part of the two-week training programs in 2007-2009: a certified trainer to teach the class, on-site training within empty apartment/townhouse units of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA), the Stanton Community Center and the Annapolis Department of Transportation (ADOT), all meals (breakfast and lunch provided by Kevin Smith, “Fruits of Labor”), materials and supplies were provided for the trainees, three days of paint application classroom training, a lecture on how to seek employment, six days of hands-on surface preparation, a graduation ceremony on the tenth (10) day, and all remaining materials and supplies were then rendered to the trainees at the end of the program.

Mr. Eric Brown, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis, Facilities Manager James Turner, of the Stanton Community Center and the Department of Transportation provided staff, classroom training space and/or units to assist in facilitating the practical aspect of the training.  I was extremely pleased with how well Art “AC” Mayer worked with people.

Community Outreach Specialist Kirby McKinney, from the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Community Affairs, has facilitated the 2009 and will continue in the 2010 Sherwin Williams Home-Work Paint Training Programs.  Due to circumstances facing our economy, the two training programs scheduled for 2010 have been reduced to one week per training cycle.  The first class is completed; however, we anxiously prepare for the upcoming class.  Keep your eyes and ears open for the next session this summer.

For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Community Affairs.

For more information contact
Tony J. Spencer, Director
Phone 410-280-1462 Ext. 15
Fax 410-280-1326
tjspencer@annapolis.gov
or
Kirby McKinney, Community Specialist
Phone 410-280-1462 Ext. 14
Fax 410-280-1326
KJMcKinney@annapolis.gov