Employment Inditex & University of Barcelona Launch Chair for Inclusive Employment
Employment Inditex, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, and the University of Barcelona (UB) have partnered to establish the UB-Inditex Chair of Professional Integration of People with Intellectual Disabilities. This initiative aims to enhance the professional opportunities available to individuals with intellectual disabilities by creating specialized training programs and conducting research on their social and labor market inclusion.
A Commitment to Training and Inclusion
As part of this initiative, the first training program is set to begin in April and will run until the end of October. This program will focus on developing specialized skills in shop operational management, equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and competencies to work in the fashion industry. The program is designed to provide hands-on experience and practical training that will improve employability prospects for people with intellectual disabilities.
Beyond training, the UB-Employment Inditex Chair will serve as a hub for research on the skills, barriers, and facilitators affecting the training and hiring processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This research will help generate valuable insights that can inform policies and best practices for businesses and organizations looking to integrate these individuals into the workforce effectively. Additionally, the Chair will work on developing new teaching methodologies that cater to the specific needs of this group, ensuring a more inclusive and adaptive learning environment.
Corporate and Academic Perspectives
During the official presentation of the Chair at the University of Barcelona’s Historic Building in the Aula Ramón y Cajal, Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras underscored the significance of this initiative. “The inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace is a priority in our commitment to people. Through this collaboration with the UB, we continue to promote their employability and integration, contributing to a more accessible and inclusive environment for all,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, UB Rector Joan Guàrdia highlighted the role of public universities in fostering social transformation. “The aim of a public university is to make use of its transformative power. Our classrooms make educated citizens with critical skills who are part of the capital of a country. No one is excluded from this transformative process. It is this transformative capacity that defines our will to remain, and this chair is a good example of it,” he said.
The president of the UB’s Board of Trustees, Joan Corominas, emphasized how this initiative aligns with the broader goals of university boards of trustees. He expressed his optimism that this would mark the beginning of a long-lasting collaboration between the university and the business sector, paving the way for further initiatives promoting social inclusion and professional development.
Leadership and Research Contributions
The UB-Employment Inditex Chair will be affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Barcelona and led by Maria Carbó, a lecturer in the Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology. She outlined the broader implications of this initiative, stating that “this Chair will have a significant impact on the evolution of the social model that has defined intellectual disability throughout history. It will be a determining action to advance towards inclusion and will contribute to the evolution of the models of care for this group in our country.”
By bridging academia and industry, the Chair will not only enhance employment opportunities but also contribute to shaping policies and frameworks that support individuals with intellectual disabilities. The research conducted under this Chair will be instrumental in understanding the key challenges faced by these individuals in the labor market and developing innovative solutions to address them.
Shared Values and Long-Term Commitment
Inditex and the University of Barcelona share a strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Through its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and the Incluye program, Inditex actively promotes the direct employment of individuals with disabilities across its vast network of stores, logistics centers, factories, and offices worldwide. One of the key objectives of this initiative is to double the number of people with disabilities in its workforce within two years.
Additionally, Inditex has been running the For&From program since 2001. This initiative consists of a network of stores designed to facilitate the social and professional integration of individuals with disabilities. These stores, which currently operate in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Mexico, are managed by specialized social organizations. They follow a self-sustaining model where Inditex provides an initial donation to establish the store, and once operational, the store generates revenue by selling products from previous campaigns at reduced prices. All profits are reinvested into social projects led by the collaborating organizations, creating a sustainable and impactful model for inclusion.
For the University of Barcelona, fostering an inclusive and high-quality educational environment is a key priority. This vision aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes the importance of equitable education and employment opportunities for all. By launching this Chair in collaboration with Inditex, the university aims to lead by example, demonstrating the power of academia-industry partnerships in driving social change.
The UB-Inditex Chair will focus on expanding its research and training initiatives, developing new methodologies, and fostering collaborations with other organizations committed to inclusivity. The data and insights generated from this Chair will be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that encourage businesses to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and create work environments that cater to a diverse workforce.
Moreover, the Chair’s emphasis on innovation in teaching and training methods will help redefine how individuals with intellectual disabilities are educated and integrated into the workforce. This includes the development of customized learning programs, vocational training, and mentorship initiatives that support long-term professional growth.
With both Inditex and the University of Barcelona committed to making a lasting impact, the establishment of the UB-Inditex Chair of Professional Integration of People with Intellectual Disabilities marks a significant step toward a more inclusive society. By combining research, training, and corporate commitment, this initiative aims to break down barriers, challenge existing stereotypes, and pave the way for a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to meaningful employment opportunities.
