Inclusion has become a prominent focus in conversations around education and the workplace, yet it is easy to make assumptions about what inclusion really means. While we naturally think of inclusion in terms of gender, disability, race and religion there are often critical dimensions that get overlooked. True inclusion is about much more than just representation; it encompasses a deeper, more holistic approach that addresses individual learning needs, accessibility, digital equity and the development of core life skills.

Here’s why genuine inclusion in education and the workplace makes all the difference, and how our work in technical vocational education and training is striving to make this vision a reality.

Redefining inclusion

• Inclusion isn’t just about identity categories: Gender, race, disability and religion are key aspects of inclusion but limiting our understanding to these categories can obscure other important factors. Educational inclusion must take into account learning styles, access to digital tools and ensuring that individuals have the core competencies they need to thrive.
• Core competencies as a foundation for inclusion: Literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication are some of the building blocks for success in both education and employment. When these competencies are missing, individuals are at a significant disadvantage, even if they are represented in diversity statistics. A lack of attention to these foundational core skills can lead to long-term exclusion from the workforce.

A personalised approach to inclusion in education

• Accessibility in education is key: Every learner is unique and their educational experience should reflect that. Inclusive education goes beyond accommodating different learning styles, it’s about creating accessible pathways for individuals with varying needs and backgrounds, including those who face economic or digital divides. This means providing opportunities to develop skills in ways that are tailored to each learner’s abilities and circumstances.
• Building confidence through personalised learning: In vocational education, we’ve often found that many learners are missing the basic skills necessary to enter the workforce with confidence. Our approach in pre-employment training through our Skills Academy Model is designed to build those competencies in an accessible, individualised way. We focus on developing not just technical skills but also the core life skills and self-confidence required to succeed in any role.
• Preparing learners for gainful employment: By treating learners as individuals with unique needs and potential, we help ensure that they are prepared for the world of work. This inclusive approach contributes to greater social and economic inclusion, enabling individuals to move from education to meaningful employment with the confidence and skills they need.

Inclusion in the workplace

• Employers are seeking more than technical skills: Increasingly, employers are looking for well-rounded individuals who possess not only the technical expertise required for a job but also the essential skills of communication, collaboration and problem-solving. When learners are equipped with these attributes, they become highly valuable members of the workforce.
• The role of vocational education: Through our Skills Academy Model, we focus on ensuring that learners leave with the practical, technical abilities employers need, while also gaining the broader skills that enable adaptability and growth in today’s evolving job market. This means emphasising personal development alongside professional training, preparing individuals for long-term success, not just immediate employment.

Why inclusion matters

• Economic inclusion: When education and training programmes focus on inclusion in its fullest sense by developing essential skills, providing accessible learning and preparing individuals for real-world challenges, students are much more likely to achieve economic mobility.
• Social inclusion: Beyond the financial benefits, inclusive education and employment practices foster a sense of belonging and purpose. When individuals feel confident in their abilities and supported in their learning journey, they are more likely to contribute positively to their communities, enhancing social cohesion. We saw this in the work we undertook to support the integration of refugees into the local economy in Jordan.
• A more inclusive workforce: Employers who prioritise inclusion are not just ticking a box, they are creating environments where diverse perspectives thrive. Employees who come from inclusive educational backgrounds are better prepared to engage meaningfully in their work, bringing not just technical skills but also the adaptability and critical thinking necessary for innovation.

Embracing inclusion in education and the workplace is essential for empowering individuals and providing industry with a diverse and skilled workforce that drives innovation, enhances productivity and ensures sustainable long-term success.