The United Multicultural Centre (UMCC), in Rotherham, is a partner organisation which has seen huge benefits from the funding it has received with help from Sector Solutions. The centre aims to bring together communities that share common goals and help build a better, more positive future for all. It specifically targets ethnic minorities, hard to reach groups and those from diverse backgrounds.

The communities that the centre reaches were hit particularly hard by the recent recession. Organisers at the UMCC recognised a need to provide courses and training that would enable community members to gain valuable qualifications and get back to work.

Since 2001 the centre has received over £300,000 worth of funding through Objective 1 of the European Social Fund (ESF) to deliver accredited and unaccredited training to members of the community.

Parveen Qureshi, Managing Director of UMCC, said: "The recession really took its toll in Rotherham, with many people losing their jobs. Securing funding with Sector Solution's help meant we could provide them with sufficient guidance and training to enable them to gain essential qualifications and consequently find employment."

Qualifications gained by UMCC's students include NVQs and levels one, two and three in numeracy and literacy. These work related, competency based qualifications assure employers that a candidate has the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively.

In addition to developing the community, Sector Solutions has facilitated staff development via a Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTTLS) certification. This training gives a practical foundation for all those in a teaching role, with learners being introduced to the key principals of teaching and learning.

The above training initiatives, funding assistance to achieve them and continuous advice from Sector Solutions has resulted in a 30% increase in student attendance at UMCC.

Parveen continued: "Sector Solutions has been a great strength to us and really helped us to address community education issues - since the involvement of Sector Solutions we have actually seen classes reach maximum capacity. It fills us with joy to see community members leave the centre after having come so far with their personal development."

In addition to the ESF funding the centre currently has a Future Jobs Fund Contract for £23,212.