Clarks Village is set to become the driving force behind training and employment opportunities in Somerset as it announces new partnerships with Key4Life and Ahead Partnership.

With a shared goal of creating more education and employment opportunities, the partners will work together to provide young people in Somerset with the skills and experience needed to succeed.

The partnerships are part of Landsec's social impact programme, Landsec Futures, which has earmarked £20 million in funding to improve the lives of people living in the communities where the company invests. By collaborating with Key4Life and Ahead Partnership, Clarks Village will be able to provide access to a range of real estate careers to young people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Chris Davis, Centre Director at Clarks Village, said that investing in those who are already creating opportunities for young people means that they can bring more value to the communities that they serve where it is needed the most.

"Investing in those already creating opportunities for local people means we can bring more value to the communities we serve where it's needed most.," he said.

"Through our new programmes with Key4Life and Ahead Partnership, we'll support more people from underrepresented backgrounds into employment, working with local young people to build their employability skills and increase access to employment opportunities so that everyone can fulfil their potential." 

The renewed partnerships come with increased investment and longer-term support, which Clarks Village hopes will have an even greater impact in the local area. Stephanie Burras, CEO of Ahead Partnership, expressed her delight in extending the partnership with Landsec Futures.

She said:  "We're delighted to be able to deepen and extend the rewarding partnership that we have enjoyed with Landsec over the last seven years. The exciting skills and employability activities we have delivered with Landsec's retail teams across the country, including mentoring and Made In sustainability challenges, have equipped hundreds of young people with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. 

"Our new three-year partnership with Landsec Futures will allow us to scale and deepen the impact of these successful school programmes. We look forward to working with Landsec colleagues to provide opportunity to many more young people." 

The 'Through the Gate' rehabilitation programme, delivered by Key4Life, targets those in prison and those at risk of going to prison with the aim of reducing youth re-offending. Clarks Village will also support Ahead Partnership by offering enterprise opportunities through its 'Made in' challenges, which challenge people to develop and present ideas for the future of retail.

The announcement is part of Landsec's national commitment to maximise the potential of people, places, and communities through a £20m social impact investment that will deliver £200m worth of social value by 2030.

The new partnerships represent a significant investment in young people in Somerset and show a commitment to creating opportunities for them. By working together, Clarks Village, Key4Life and Ahead Partnership can build a brighter future for young people in the area, giving them the skills they need to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities.