Young people in Essex gain vital skills with support from Clarion Futures

Vital career support that will help unlock employment and education opportunities for young people is being launched in Essex.

Those aged 16-19 who are not in education, employment or training are being offered specialist help with achieving a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths. This will enable young people to pursue further studies, apprenticeships and new career paths.

Clarion Futures, Clarion’s charitable foundation, is partnering with The Essex Year of Opportunity and training provider Get Further, to launch the new initiative. Clarion Futures will be running courses in Tendring to upskill and help remove barriers, so that everyone can progress and achieve their full potential.

The Functional Skills Level 2 Tuition Programme will be on offer to 16–19-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET. Over three months, young people will be given dedicated support to build their English and Maths skills and the tools to re-engage with learning, which will in turn open doors to future opportunities. Each week, learners will attend four hours of tuition at easy to reach community hubs. By running small groups or one-to-one sessions will help create a safe space for young people to ask questions and boost their confidence.

Strong literacy and numeracy skills are highly valued by employers and can make a striking difference when it comes to career progression. With English and Maths under your belt, many rewarding and in-demand jobs requiring these qualifications will also be open to you, such as health and social care, nursing and early years.

Victoria Whittle, Head of Jobs and Training at Clarion Futures, said: “Qualifications in Maths and English are a cornerstone of the UK’s skills and social mobility agenda, equipping people with the essential literacy and numeracy needed to succeed in employment, further education, and everyday life. That’s why we’re proud to be part of this initiative which aims to upskill local people to provide opportunities and support the wider economy.”

Clarion Futures are already making a difference to residents by giving them the tools and opportunities to move forward on their career journey. Some have already achieved a qualification and are looking at their next steps.

One learner, Graham, attended a Clarion Futures course, said: “Your English and Maths courses have been of great help in my personal future goals and have made me overall much more confident and happy with these subjects.”

The Essex Year of Opportunity is a two-year £1.33 million campaign that removes barriers into work and education for all ages by teaching essential skills through projects and partnerships.

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