National Inclusion Week 2024 is all about ‘Impact Matters’ and it’s a powerful reminder that each of us can make a difference. At HIT Training Ltd and its training divisions – HIT Training, Connect2Care and EDN, this theme resonates with our mission: using apprenticeships to break down barriers and create real opportunities for people, no matter their background or challenges.
What Does ‘Impact’ Really Mean?
Impact is about the lasting changes we make in people’s lives. It’s recognising the challenges faced by marginalised groups and taking steps to meet those challenges with support, respect and opportunity. Apprenticeships can open doors for those who might otherwise be excluded from certain career paths, but it’s not just about offering opportunities – it’s about making sure they’re accessible and inclusive for everyone.
For many learners, functional skills in maths and English can be a significant hurdle. These are essential for success in the workplace, yet often the very subjects that learners struggled with in traditional education. That’s where our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) team steps in. As one of the few apprenticeship providers with its own SENDCo team, we ensure that every apprentice can meet with a specialist to assess their learning needs or disabilities.
This support has made a huge difference in the past year alone. Our Functional Skills completion rates are among the highest in the Independent Training Provider (ITP) sector, proving how powerful the right support can be. By offering personalised help and access arrangements, we help individuals thrive – many of whom might not have been eligible for an apprenticeship elsewhere. We’re not just opening doors; we’re making sure people have the confidence and support to walk through them.
Why ‘Impact Matters’ in Apprenticeships
At HIT Training Ltd, we’re committed to ensuring our apprenticeships are accessible to everyone. We’ve been recognised for championing social mobility through apprenticeships, and we know that our impact is most meaningful when we’re helping those who might otherwise be left behind. National Inclusion Week reminds us that inclusion is an ongoing process and there’s always more we can do to make a difference.
Inclusive Leadership: Driving Sustainable Change
Inclusion isn’t just about learners – it’s about creating inclusive environments at every level of an organisation. That’s why, through our leadership and management division, EDN, we offer inclusive leadership training programmes. These courses equip leaders with the skills to foster diversity and create lasting change. Whether it’s advanced inclusive leadership or foundational training, these programmes empower leaders to build inclusive teams and workplaces.
A Call to Action: How We Can All Make an Impact
National Inclusion Week continues to grow, reaching millions of people and thousands of organisations and we’re excited to make 2024 the most impactful yet. But real change starts with each of us. Whether you’re an employer, a colleague, or an apprentice, we all have a role to play in building a more inclusive future.
At HIT Training Ltd, we’ll be using this week to reflect on the impact we’ve made and challenge ourselves to do more. Inclusion isn’t just a goal for one week – it’s something we’re committed to every day. By creating accessible apprenticeships, breaking down barriers and supporting leaders through inclusive leadership training at EDN, we’re helping build a more inclusive, diverse workforce.