Inclusive Employment in Manufacturing: Building a Future That Works for Everyone

Our recent webinar, “Inclusive Employment in Manufacturing” delivered in partnership with NOW Group, explored how diverse employment can transform both lives and workplaces. The session focused on fair access to good jobs in our sector and the positive impact this has on workplace culture, retention, innovation and creativity.

Sean Hanna (NOW Group) outlined how their team supports people with learning difficulties, autism and other neurodivergent conditions into sustainable work, and how they partner with employers to develop roles, recruitment, training and mentoring support. In 2024, NOW Group has helped 400+ people into employment, including 138 into paid roles in manufacturing, with 93% still in work after six months. Their academy and in-work support model is also helping hundreds more build skills and confidence for future roles.

Real experiences shared by Lindsay Colton (Terex) and Genevieve Martin (The JAQ Group) who partner with NOW Group, showed that when we remove barriers and recruit diverse talent, we gain stronger cultures, better retention and more innovative teams – a future that genuinely works for everyone. Key outcomes were clear: diverse and inclusive employment isn’t just good for individuals, it’s good for employers, employees, workplaces and manufacturing as a whole.

Slides are available here: NOW Group – Manufacturing NI webinar
To find out more visit: https://www.nowgroup.org or email: sean.hanna@nowgroup.org