21 Young Adults with Learning Disabilities Ready to Launch Their Careers

Are you an employer in London’s hospitality industry? This summer, you have the chance to hire from a cohort of 21 highly capable young adults with learning disabilities – graduates of Fair Shot’s life-changing and work-experience programme. These future stars are ready to bring passion, talent, and fresh perspective to your teams.

Here’s why you should be part of their journey.

Tucked into the vibrant streets of Covent Garden, Fair Shot Café has quietly become one of London’s most inspiring social enterprises.

As spring turns to summer, Fair Shot is preparing to graduate its largest cohort yet: 21 talented young adults with learning disabilities, all of whom have spent the past 11 months completing an intensive, real-world internship programme designed to prepare them for long-term employment. Now, these bright, capable individuals are ready and eager to bring their skills, passion, and unique perspectives to workplaces across London.

But they need one last ingredient to make their journey complete: employers who are ready to open their doors to inclusive hiring.

“Each graduate represents a future transformed, not just for themselves, but for every workplace they join. From Thomas becoming the heart of his team at the Savore to Kayon thriving at DRC Savills as a mailroom assistant, we’ve seen how opportunity can unlock extraordinary potential. Our interns don’t just fill roles; they elevate environments. If your business is ready to embrace meaningful change and is seeking impactful, sustainable support to do so, we’d love to hear from you.”

Bianca Tavella, CEO & Founder, Fair Shot

Over nearly a year, these young people have been immersed in hands-on roles at the café: learning how to work as baristas, hosts, catering assistants, kitchen staff, and even in administrative support functions. Each role is real, each expectation professional, and each intern held to a high standard, with support and coaching every step of the way.

The result? Graduates who are confident, skilled, and prepared for permanent employment in a variety of front and back-of-house positions across the hospitality sector and beyond.

Hiring someone with a learning disability will have a profoundly positive impact on your business. Numerous studies have shown that neurodiverse teams perform better, innovate faster, and exhibit greater team loyalty and retention. What Fair Shot graduates bring to a team isn’t just the ability to do the job, it’s a deep sense of commitment, attention to detail, and pride in their work.

Their presence uplifts colleagues, delights customers, and helps businesses demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion.

Fair Shot remains connected to their graduates. Employer partners receive up to 12 months of wraparound support, helping them and their new employees navigate the transition with confidence.

Whether it’s support with onboarding, regular check-ins, or helping teams foster a truly inclusive environment, Fair Shot walks every step of the journey with you.

“Last summer we supported Charlie, a young man with Down syndrome, into our business – and he has been nothing short of exceptional. His presence has had a hugely positive impact, not just on our customers, but on our company culture as a whole. I urge every hospitality business to open their doors to this incredible talent pool of people. You won’t regret it.”

Candice Van Antwerp, Head of People, The Genuine Dining Co.

Be the Change

With graduation just around the corner and placement opportunities beginning from July 2025, Fair Shot is inviting hospitality employers across London to step forward and become part of something truly transformative.

From boutique cafés to restaurants, catering companies, hotels, and everything in between – if your business has space for talent, Fair Shot would love to hear from you.

Employers interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Valen, Fair Shot’s Head of Programme, to discuss opportunities, ask questions, or arrange a meeting.

Valen Calanche: valen@fairshot.co.uk