Inclusive employment that works: What employers can learn from ACCIONA

For many employers, inclusive employment sounds like the right thing to do, but questions quickly follow. Will it work in our environment? Will it add pressure to managers? Will we have the right support?

At global infrastructure company ACCIONA, those questions were answered not in theory, but in practice.

Through the Inclusive Employment Australia program, CVGT Employment provides free support to help employers attract, recruit and retain employees with disability, injury, or health condition.

By partnering with CVGT Employment, ACCIONA has shown that inclusive employment, when done properly, strengthens teams, builds capability and creates lasting value for both employees and the organisation.

Watch the success story

Inclusive employment can look different in every workplace. Seeing it in action can make all the difference.

Watch the ACCIONA and CVGT Employment success story video to hear directly from employees, mentors and managers about what worked, the support provided and the impact on their workplace.

About ACCIONA

ACCIONA is a global leader in sustainable infrastructure solutions. With a business that spans the entire value chain, from design and construction through to operation and maintenance, ACCIONA combines local expertise with global experience to deliver a broad portfolio of sustainable infrastructure solutions across energy, water, and transport.

ACCIONA looks to develop solutions that contribute to a more positive society. Guided by a people centric approach, ACCIONA is committed to fostering workplace diversity and inclusion to ensure everyone feels respected, connected, able to progress and contribute to work. A commitment that includes the desire to deliver better outcomes for the communities they work with every day.

That commitment is underpinned by collaboration, as ACCIONA constantly explores new employment pathways and works with partners to help make those pathways successful.

From opportunity to outcomes

Through its inclusive employment efforts, ACCIONA welcomed two employees, Letitia and Owen, into meaningful paid roles. Both employees live with Down syndrome. Like many capable job seekers with disability, they had the motivation to work but needed the right structure, the right environment and the right support to succeed long term.

From the employer’s perspective, the focus was clear from the start. Roles needed to be well defined, expectations practical and support available without creating dependence.

Tim Miles, Social Sustainability Manager at ACCIONA, explains that inclusive employment works best when it is intentional.

This is not about lowering standards. It is about designing roles properly, supporting people well and giving them the chance to show what they can do.

Timothy Myles
Social Sustainability Manager, ACCIONA

The role of CVGT Employment

CVGT is a not‑for‑profit organisation that supports people to find and keep meaningful work. For employers, CVGT acts as a partner, working alongside managers and teams to make inclusive employment practical and sustainable.

What sets CVGT apart is its Inclusive Employment Australia wrap‑around model. Support begins before someone starts work, continues through the early stages of employment and adapts as confidence and capability increase. That support is flexible, practical and tailored to the needs of both the participant and the workplace.

For ACCIONA, this meant having access to experienced mentors, regular check‑ins and honest conversations about what was working and what needed adjustment.

For managers and supervisors, it meant they were not left to figure things out alone.

Support that evolves, not stays static

One of the most valuable aspects of the partnership has been how support changes over time.

In the early stages, CVGT mentors worked closely on‑site, supporting routines, tasks and workplace expectations. Travel training was a key focus, helping employees build the skills to get to and from work independently.

As confidence grew, support was gradually reduced. Mentors remained available, but the goal was always independence, not permanent assistance.

Sean, a CVGT Work Support Mentor, describes success as the moment when people no longer need prompting.

You see participants start to manage their work, their travel and their day on their own.
That is when you know it is working.

Sean
Work Support Mentor, CVGT Employment

From an employer perspective, this approach avoids long‑term reliance while building real capability.

The impact inside the workplace

For ACCIONA the benefits have extended well beyond the two roles themselves.

Managers and colleagues describe a noticeable shift in workplace culture. Communication improves. People become more thoughtful about how they support each other. Teams grow more connected.

Learning and Development Coordinator Tahlia Segal has seen those changes first‑hand.

Inclusion is not just about one person. It builds skills across the whole team. Managers learn how to support people better. Colleagues become more aware and more patient. That carries into every part of the workplace.

Tahlia Segal
Learning and Development Coordinator, ACCIONA

Supervisors have also noted that inclusive employment builds leadership confidence. Managers learn to focus on capability rather than assumptions and to deal with difference in a practical, respectful way.

These are skills that strengthen organisations well beyond any one program.

Reliability, consistency and pride in work

From an operational point of view, reliability and consistency matter. Both Letitia and Owen bring structure to their roles, arrive on time and take pride in their work.

Letitia has developed strong office skills over time. She now confidently uses email, spreadsheets and internal systems. She asks questions when needed and follows set routines that help her succeed.

Owen works in a more hands‑on role and thrives on task variety and social connection. He talks openly about enjoying work, earning money and being part of a team.

For employers, these are the outcomes that matter. Productive work. Stable routines. Engagement and pride.

What employers can take away

This experience offers clear lessons for employers considering inclusive employment.

First, choose the right roles. Inclusion works best when roles are designed with intention and clarity.

Second, work with the right partner. A strong support provider reduces risk, builds confidence and helps everyone succeed.

Third, allow support to evolve. Early investment leads to long‑term independence.

Finally, recognise the broader value. Inclusive employment strengthens culture, builds leadership capability and aligns organisations with the values that today’s workforce increasingly expects.

Tim believes more employers should take the step.

Try it. With the right support, it works. And the benefits go far beyond the role itself.

Timothy Myles
Social Sustainability Manager, ACCIONA

Why it matters

For employers, inclusive employment is no longer just a social commitment. It is a way to build stronger, more capable and more future‑focused teams.

With CVGT as a partner and organisations like ACCIONA leading the way, inclusive employment proves that when opportunity is designed well, everyone benefits.