Inclusion has become a prominent focus in conversations around education and the workplace, yet it is easy to make assumptions about what inclusion truly 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 essential life skills.

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

Redefining Inclusion Beyond Surface-Level Assumptions

• 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 needed 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 skills can lead to long-term exclusion from the workforce and society at large.

Inclusion in Education: A Personalised Approach

• 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 critical 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 the 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 / soft  skills and self-assurance 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 truly prepared for the world of work. This holistic, 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 core competencies 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 (link to Jordan, and Egypt), we focus on ensuring that learners leave with the practical, technical abilities employers need, while also fostering the broader skills that enable adaptability and growth in today’s ever-changing job market. This means emphasising personal development alongside professional training, preparing individuals for long-term success, not just immediate employment.

The Difference True Inclusion Can Make

• Economic inclusion: When educational programmes focus on inclusion in its fullest sense—developing essential skills, providing accessible learning, and preparing individuals for real-world challenges—students are much more likely to achieve economic mobility. This leads to better outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.
• 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 in Jordan with the Syrian refugees (add link).
• A more inclusive workforce: Employers who prioritise inclusion are not just ticking a box—they’re 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.

Conclusion: Moving Toward a Holistic View of Inclusion

Inclusion is about far more than representation; it’s about empowering individuals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in both education and the workplace. Our work through the skills academy model seeks to address the often-overlooked dimensions of inclusion, ensuring that all learners have access to the tools, resources, and competencies they need for gainful employment. By treating learners as individuals, we create a pathway not just to jobs, but to fulfilling careers and long-term economic and social inclusion.

Inclusion is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic and social one. When we invest in building the core skills and confidence of all individuals, we don’t just improve their chances of success; we enrich our workforce, our communities, and our society at large.