Clarion Futures supports record 3,000 people into full time jobs and apprenticeships

Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, will support a record 3,000 people into full time employment and apprenticeships in the 2017/18 financial year.

The record breaking figures were announced at the Clarion Futures Apprenticeship Awards at Stamford Bridge (home of Chelsea FC), on Thursday 8^th March, during National Apprenticeship Week. The Jobs and Training arm of Clarion Futures provides a bespoke employment service for Clarion Housing residents and communities across the country, providing one to one advice that helps people apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and ultimately find sustainable employment.

Apprenticeships are a major focus at Clarion, both in respect of providing opportunities for residents with external employers and taking on apprentices in Clarion Housing Group.

• In the current financial year (starting April 2017), Clarion Futures has placed 206 apprentices into roles with external employers, at organisations including the NHS, Toni & Guy and Pret
• Over the past seven years, Clarion Futures has placed 750 apprentices into external positions
• In January 2018, Shakeel Sadiq became the 100^th apprentice employed by Clarion Housing Group – Shakeel works as a Project Assistant
• Since Clarion launched its own apprenticeship scheme, 86% of the apprentices have graduated to full time roles in the organisation

Supporting 3,000 people into full time employment is also a landmark figure for Clarion Futures. Critical to this has been the success of the Love London Working programme, which Clarion delivers across London as the lead partner in a consortium with other a number of other housing associations.

Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures said:

“I’m delighted we will be supporting 3,000 people into permanent employment and apprenticeships this year. It is powerful evidence of how housing associations make a positive difference to people’s lives and communities. Clarion Futures is determined to do this on a bigger scale than ever before. By the time of National Apprenticeship Week next year, we hope and expect to have broken our own record again!”

The winner of the Clarion Futures Apprentice of the Year award was Ryan Mathura, who completed a two-year multi trade apprenticeship with Engie and has since been taken on as a full time member of staff.

Ryan Mathura commented:

‘I’m really proud to have won the Apprentice of the Year award. My apprenticeship was one of the best things I’ve ever done and although I wasn’t sure if I could do it to begin with, my confidence grew and I’m really glad I stuck it out.’