National Apprenticeship Week: Why we guarantee interviews for residents

I know from personal experience how overwhelming it can feel to take the first steps into employment. Having been part of the social housing community myself, I understand the challenges, the setbacks and the moments when opportunity can feel out of reach.

That perspective drove me to think: how could I give back? How could I create a pathway that removes unnecessary barriers and ensures talent and potential are recognised?

In recent years, we’ve seen growing interest in apprenticeships from people of all ages. Apprenticeships offer a powerful pathway into sustainable careers, combining paid employment with structured training and clear progression. Yet feedback from residents highlighted a common challenge throughout the recruitment process: getting a foot in the door was often the hardest step.

“Residents who meet the essential criteria for an apprenticeship role at Clarion are guaranteed an interview, giving them the chance to present their potential, not just their CV”

Supporting residents is at the heart of who we are and what we do. By opening access to opportunity, we help people take meaningful steps toward careers that can genuinely change the course of their lives.

Through the voices of our current apprentices, some of whom are residents themselves, we’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact our programme can have. Many have told us that this was the first time someone truly saw their potential.

Despite this potential, many residents were applying for roles without being shortlisted or felt unsure how to navigate recruitment processes that weren’t designed with first-time applicants or career changers in mind. It was this gap between talent and opportunity that led us to introduce guaranteed apprenticeship interviews.

The initiative is about removing unnecessary barriers. Residents who meet the essential criteria for an apprenticeship role at Clarion are guaranteed an interview, giving them the chance to present their potential, not just their CV. For many, it’s their first formal interview – a confidence-building step that can be transformational, regardless of the outcome.

To support residents ahead of interview, shortlisted candidates are invited to our Building Futures sessions. These sessions are designed to prepare individuals by focusing on employability skills, interview confidence, understanding workplace expectations and showcasing transferable skills.

Crucially, they give hiring managers the opportunity to see candidates beyond paper applications – observing their enthusiasm, motivation and potential in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

“Residents report increased confidence and motivation, while hiring managers have highlighted the strength, enthusiasm and fresh perspective apprentices bring to their teams”

The initiative was developed in close partnership with our HR and Talent colleagues and is aimed at supporting residents into apprenticeship opportunities by actively removing barriers to employment and creating accessible, sustainable career pathways, helping to shape a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities Clarion serves – a first for the social housing sector.

But this isn’t just about recruitment. It’s about belief. Belief in our residents, and belief in apprenticeships as a long-term workforce solution. By guaranteeing interviews, we send a clear message: if you are willing to learn, grow and commit, we are willing to invest in you.

Once apprentices join the organisation, that support continues. Our mentoring programme plays a vital role in helping apprentices settle into the workplace, build confidence and navigate both professional and personal challenges. By pairing apprentices with experienced colleagues, we provide a safe space for guidance, encouragement and development, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey, not just at the point of entry.

Early feedback has been incredibly encouraging. Residents report increased confidence and motivation, while hiring managers have highlighted the strength, enthusiasm and fresh perspective apprentices bring to their teams. Since the launch, residents have progressed through Building Futures sessions and into apprenticeship roles, supported by mentoring and ongoing development opportunities.

This initiative is not a one-off. It is part of a wider Clarion Futures commitment to inclusive employment, social mobility and growing talent from within our communities. As we continue to refine and expand the programme, our focus remains the same: creating fairer routes into work and ensuring potential is recognised, not overlooked.

When people are given a genuine chance – and supported to grow and progress – the impact reaches far beyond the interview room, nurturing talent, inspiring confidence and creating lasting impact in every community we serve.

Katiya Nunes, apprenticeship development officer, Clarion Futures