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Inclusive Employment in the Hospitality sector
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Authors
Editors
Date
2026
Educational Level
ISCED Level 4 Post-secondary Non-tertiary Education
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abstract
Addressing workforce shortages and stark disability employment gaps within hospitality, London Southeast Colleges (LSEC) led collaborative employer engagement as part of the ETF Employer Spokes Preparation for Adulthood programme. Challenges included employer uncertainty about inclusive recruitment and limited access to sustainable hospitality placements for SEND learners. Actions included employer site visits, partnership development with organisations including Bromley Mencap, CASPA and DFN Project SEARCH, delivery of sector engagement events hosted at learner-run venues, and dissemination of an Employer Toolkit promoting good inclusive practice. Evidence of impact includes new employer partnerships with eight businesses, improved employer confidence and training capacity, expanded supported-internship opportunities within the quick-service restaurant sector, strengthened learner confidence, and creation of a transferable blueprint for scaling inclusive employment practice across further education.
Description
Keywords (free text)
further education, 16-19 education, inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), employer liaison, hospitality-sector employment