Heathrow Inclusive Learning Partnership (HILP)
The Heathrow Inclusive Learning Partnership (HILP) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) learners by providing them with real-world learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and industry. Through a collaborative effort with HRUC (Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge College), Heathrow, and over 20 of Heathrow’s strategic partners, HILP is dedicated to offering SEND learners diverse opportunities including work experiences, workshops, site visits, and more. These experiences are tailored to enhance their employability, life skills, and confidence, while also fostering inclusivity and community engagement in the workforce. HILP, has focused on the holistic development of SEND learners. Through this initiative, we provide students with valuable insights and experiences across different industries, enabling them to gain practical skills and connect with professionals.
Engagement Activities and Achievements
HILP’s engagement efforts primarily focus on two activities:
- Work Experience: These opportunities, organised with Heathrow’s supply chain partners, have allowed students to work alongside professionals and engage with real-life scenarios. For example, the SEND Foundation course learners recently completed a work experience with Ethos Farm, where they learned about customer service and the essential skills needed to engage with passengers at Heathrow.
- Skill Development Workshops: Through workshops with construction companies like Mace, students developed skills in creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. A notable workshop had students participating in a bridge-building exercise, strengthening their teamwork and critical-thinking abilities.
A remarkable achievement has been the Lift Off Programme, where students presented innovative solutions for enhancing passenger experience, particularly for individuals with additional needs. One of their proposals was so well received that it is currently being implemented by Heathrow, showcasing the real-world impact and validation of their contributions.
Implementation and Management
The successful implementation of HILP relies on a collaborative framework involving HRUC’s Employability Team, senior leaders, tutors, and Heathrow’s Skills Team. Key Heathrow members such as Paul Doherty (Procurement Director), Jenny McLaughlin (Inclusion Lead), and Tom Elliot (Education and Skills Manager), have been integral to creating meaningful learning experiences for the students. Regular meetings, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving have been vital to maintaining the program’s success.
Employer Engagement Activities under HILP
Lift Off Programme
In 2024 we have participated in two Lift Off Programs with Heathrow so far, one in June and another in October, with a third participation scheduled for November.
Lift Off offers an excellent platform for our students to develop and showcase their employability and leadership skills. Through this program, students have the chance to present innovative solutions to a panel of Heathrow and their supply chain partners. Each cohort is presented with a real-world challenge and works collaboratively over 3-4 weeks to develop and present their solutions.
Our first group of students proposed a remarkable innovation to enhance the passenger experience at Heathrow, particularly for travelers with additional needs, aiming to make their journeys smoother and less stressful. This idea was well received by the Heathrow team and is currently being implemented. A significant achievement for our students.
Work Experiences with Heathrow Partner Companies
Heathrow Helpers Work Experience Programme: Hosted by Ethos Farm
Our students participated in the Heathrow Helpers Work Experience Program hosted by Ethos Farm in September 2024. This one-day visit to Heathrow provided the students with hands-on work experience, giving students valuable exposure to the airport environment.
The day was structured into two sessions:
Morning Session: Students were introduced to Heathrow, learning key facts about its terminals, the work culture, and gaining insights into the experience of working at Heathrow.
Afternoon Session: Students engaged directly with Ethos Farm team. They met key staff, who provided an overview of Ethos Farm’s operations at Heathrow. Following the presentation, students were taken to Terminal 2, where each student was paired with Ethos Farm staff and were engaged in the customer service environment, particularly within the security area, allowing hands-on experience. These experiences have proven to be enriching opportunities, equipping our students with practical skills and real-world insights into the aviation and service sectors, while engaging with real passengers at the terminal.
Other supply chain partners of Heathrow we are currently working with for either work experience or other workshops as a part of HILP include:
- Capgemini
- Mott Macdonald
- Fujitsu
- Wilson James
- Mace
- Volker Fitzpatrick
- Ferrovial
- Ethos Farm
- Atkins Realis
Paul Doherty, Procurement Director at Heathrow shares his insights on the impact of HILP
What is the Heathrow Inclusive Learners Partnership?
"HILP is a collection of many wonderful people supporting learners with special educational needs. This partnership includes Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge college alongside 20+ of Heathrow’s strategic partners.
Our aim is to provide opportunity and experiences for learners with special educational needs that they may not otherwise get. Access to multiple types of business and educational enrichment through a variety of methods such as talks, essential skills, interviews, challenges, work experience, site visits, and sponsored internships.
Our partners have truly embraced the opportunity of accessing this talented group of learners with many contributions to education taking place. Highlights include work experience in London and even visits to our airport to support our passengers. Heathrow is proud to be represented by our academy who offer essential skills training and guaranteed interviews as well as supporting many other initiatives that resulted in a SPARK award in 2023.
HILP is about people and stories. HILP represents people in our businesses who have a connection and passion to support this amazing group of learners be that through live experience or the desire to give opportunity to others. HILP is about companies who want to make a meaningful difference and contribution in our local community by reaching out to support these students. Above all that HILP is about learners with needs connecting to the workplace, learning skills for life and the story of growth we see them go through – they are the stories we want to create.”