Celebrating Inclusion and Success: Mohammed’s Journey at Skills for Security

A post by Skills for Security.

Supporting Inclusion in Apprenticeships: Mohammed’s Story

At Skills for Security, we believe training is about more than technical skills. Apprenticeships are about developing people, their confidence, their understanding, and their ability to thrive in diverse workplaces. A huge part of that is creating an environment where every learner feels respected, valued, and able to bring their whole selves to the classroom.

In the fire & security industry, inclusion matters. Our industry serves communities of all backgrounds, and the next generation of professionals must be prepared to work with empathy, cultural awareness, and respect. That’s why we are committed to making sure learners of every faith, gender, and background feel supported throughout their journey with us.

One of our learners, Mohammed Labib, has been open about sharing his personal experience of inclusion during his apprenticeship, as he approached his End-Point Assessment. His reflections highlight how small but meaningful acts of respect, from prayer space provision, to open class discussions and supportive peers, can make a huge difference.

Mohammed’s Experience in His Own Words

My religion and faith have been 100% supported at Skills for Security.

As a Muslim learner, I have never had any issues regarding my religion during my time in centre. I have been very well supported and welcomed by not just my learning support coaches, (LSC’s) but also my peers. They have been respectful and have always accommodated my needs to have time out to pray while in the training centre. There is a designated prayer room which is private and well signposted, advising others on how to be respectful of my prayer time.

We have had good group discussions within class about not just my own religion, but others too, such as Christianity and how these faiths compare. There have been lots of questions and intrigue about my faith and these have always been well respected.

One of my initial concerns was having to explain Muslim practices around females and how it is considered disrespectful to touch a woman that is not part of your family. This includes hand shaking. I was worried that by not shaking hands it would appear disrespectful to that person but the support and respect I had from the LSC’s was really positive, especially the female members. This put me at ease and was not something I needed to worry about.

I am naturally inquisitive and will ask lots of questions in class during teaching sessions and my enthusiasm has been recognised where LSC’s have taken extra time out for me, really embracing my own eagerness to learn.

I have been lucky to be part of a really great group of peers, and we have all got along so well. We always eat our lunch and evening meals together and every one of us is part of that team in centre. It has been a great and inclusive experience for me”

Why Inclusion Matters

Mohammed’s story is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a ‘nice-to-have’ – it directly impacts how learners engage, succeed, and progress.

By making space for different religious practices, encouraging respectful curiosity, and modelling inclusive behaviours, training providers and employers alike can unlock the best in their people.

This isn’t just about individual learners either. Cultural awareness and inclusivity are skills that strengthen whole teams, improving communication, building trust, and preparing apprentices for the real-world workplaces they’ll enter. For the fire & security industry, this means a workforce that reflects and understands the diverse communities it serves.

Celebrating Success

Just as Mohammed’s reflections were being shared with us, he achieved an incredible milestone: passing his End-Point Assessment with distinction in both his practical assessment and professional discussion.

This is a fantastic achievement and one made possible not only by Mohammed’s talent and commitment, but by an inclusive learning environment that enabled him to thrive.

Congratulations, Mo – we couldn’t be prouder!

Our Commitment

At Skills for Security, we are dedicated to creating a training culture where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. Every learner, whatever their background, should feel confident, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.

If you’d like to learn more about our apprenticeship courses, click here.