Employer Support

Hotel Etico is a multi-award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to employing and training young people with disabilities. We offer professionally designed disability confidence training tailored for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Our motto, “For the sector, by the sector,” reflects our unique position as a leading provider of practical, impactful training developed by hospitality and disability professionals.

At Hotel Etico, we’re dedicated to fostering inclusive employment practices within the tourism and hospitality industry. Through our comprehensive programs, we offer skilled graduates from our Employment and Independence Program.

We also provide specialised support and training in inclusion, both in-person and online, alongside one-on-one consultancy services to the tourism and hospitality industry.

 

Become an Employment Partner

By partnering with Hotel Etico, employers not only gain access to a pool of motivated and skilled staff, but also contribute to a more diverse ad inclusive tourism and hospitality industry.

With successful placement results between 70-80%, we have a success rate 3 times higher than traditional disability employment approaches.

Our pool of graduates have experiences across a range of areas, I scudding guest services, housekeeping, food and beverage, front of house and back of house. All our graduates come to you after having worked and trained in a real hotel environment.

Whatever your needs, we’ll be with you every step of the way, through a personalised approach that achieves results.

Inclusion Training

Hotel Etico offers tailored training and support to employers, aiming to enhance practices for an inclusive workplace.

Services include:

  • In-person and online training – Customised training modules that cover best practices in disability inclusion, accessible customer service, and creating supportive work environments. These courses are available both in persons and online.
  • One-on-one training – Personalised guidance to addess specific needs, assisting in developing and implementing inclusion strategies within organisations.

Whatever your needs, we’ll be with you every step of the way, through a personalised approach that achieves results.

Bridging Intention and Action

Hotel Etico aims to address the significant gap between the 77% of employers who want to hire people with disabilities and the 35% who actually do. Their training is designed to overcome common barriers, including:

  • Lack of awareness and confidence.

  • Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.

  • Perceptions of cost and complexity.

By building employer confidence and providing practical know-how, Hotel Etico partners with the industry to access an overlooked talent pool, address workforce shortages, improve staff retention, and create meaningful employment pathways for people with disabilities.

Core Approach

Hotel Etico’s training is founded on three key principles:

  1. Shaped by Lived Experience: Content is informed by real-world experience in inclusive employment.

  2. Collaborative and Sector-Focused: Practical, hospitality-based training co-developed with people with a disability.

  3. Human-Rights Based: An evidence-informed approach grounded in the equal employment rights of people with disabilities.

Training Program Overview

Hotel Etico offers a suite of modules that can be delivered online or in person. These are designed for various roles, from general staff to HR managers and trainers.

Training Module

Key Focus

Duration

Cost (excl. GST)

Disability Etiquette

Builds confidence in communicating and interacting respectfully.

1 hour

$1,800

Crafting Roles

Teaches how to design inclusive roles and make reasonable adjustments.

1 hour

$1,800

How to Deliver Training

Provides practical methods for training staff with disabilities effectively.

1-2 hours

$3,300

Equality at Work

Covers legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act.

1 hour

Complimentary

Working with Neurodivergent Individuals

Offers strategies to support team members with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, etc.

1 hour

$2,000

Working with Autistic Adults

Provides tools to create an accessible environment for autistic employees.

1 hour

$3,800

Working with Adults with Down Syndrome

Focuses on understanding learning styles and communication to support success.

1 hour

$3,800

Note: The above prices are as of August 2025 and are subject to change. JobAccess subsidies may be available.

Industry Testimonials

The training program has received strong endorsements from major hotels, including The West Hotel Sydney, Pier One Sydney Harbour, W Sydney, Shanghi-La, Baker McKenzie, Lendlease, The Girls and Boys Brigades They praise the training for being highly engaging, practical, and effective in shifting perspectives and providing valuable tools to foster a more supportive, skilled, and diverse workforce.

Testimonials

The training was highly engaging and practical, featuring interactive sessions and real-world scenarios tailored to the hospitality environment. The tools provided have enhanced our ability to better support colleagues and our guests with disabilities. (The West Hotel, Sydney)

The Hotel Etico training had a powerful impact on our team. It encouraged reflection, shifted perspectives, and gave us practical tools to support a more inclusive workplace. (Pier One, Sydney Harbour)

The sessions were interactive, real world focused and tailored to our hospitality setting. It’s not just about inclusion; it’s about creating a workplace where everyone thrives. (W, Sydney)

Working alongside their trainees, engaging in disability awareness training, and participating in a First Nations cultural experience in the Blue Mountains offered a meaningful lens into inclusive employment and cultural respect. (Lendlease)

“Our team had an incredibly valuable and inspiring experience. The trainees delivered the session with professionalism, warmth and authenticity, creating an engaging learning environment that left a lasting impression on everyone. We walked away with practical insights, a deeper understanding of disability etiquette and a renewed appreciation for inclusive hospitality. We can’t recommend this training highly enough.” (Girls and Boys Brigade)