Paint can be a catalyst for enrichment; beautifying a home and brightening up a community are just a few examples of the impact it can have. One way that Sherwin-Williams uses paint for enrichment is through the HomeWork painter training program. This five-day training series teaches under-served individuals seeking employment how to paint in a commercial environment.

 

 

The program consists of both classroom time and real-world painting application practice. Those who complete the class earn a certificate under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting program. Since the HomeWork program’s launch in 2004, nearly 8,000 adult students have successfully completed it, with more than 500 classes held throughout the United States by the end of 2021.

 

 

Shortly before his retirement from Sherwin-Williams in 2003, Al Blanchard, former Sherwin-Williams Director of National Accounts and Architectural Services, helped develop the program and he has remained an active force in continuing to grow its success. “The program came at a time nearly two decades ago when the painting industry was really hurting for help,” Blanchard said. “We’re proud to say we now have a 67% hiring rate, with many people finding jobs with local housing authorities, painting contractors and construction companies.”

 

 

Class instructors are Sherwin-Williams retirees who teach in their spare time. “The benefit to the HomeWork students isn’t just the skills they learn, but also the teamwork, self-confidence and communication skills,” said Tom Norman, long-time HomeWork instructor.

The volunteer instructor reflected on a memorable student he once had in class, whose life trajectory was changed by enrolling in the program. “He had just been released from prison and wasn’t feeling positive about his future,” Norman said. “After attending and graduating from the HomeWork program, the student had a totally different outlook on life. I learned later that he had found a job painting and that his life had been changed for the better.”

 

 

“Most of the students that enroll in the HomeWork program don’t know each other at the beginning of the class; however, by the end of the five days, they develop friendships and some even find themselves working alongside each other afterward,” Norman added. “The lasting impact creates a brighter future for the students and their communities.”

 

 

Blanchard reflected on what is on the horizon for the painting course in 2022 and beyond. “As we begin the 19th year of our HomeWork Painter Training program, our goal is to continue to be an industry leader,” he said. “Our key objective has always been to provide skills for the trainees to be placed in employment. We look forward to continuing to drive home this mission while creating employment opportunities in our communities for years to come.”

 

 

 

This story is featured in the Sherwin-Williams 2021 Sustainability Report.