In early 2024, a meeting facilitated by Watford Borough Council Chairman Simon Feldman marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Nando’s and Step2Skills – a Hertfordshire Futures programme dedicated to supporting those facing barriers to learning and employment.
From the first conversation with Joao Almeida, Manager of Nando’s Watford Met Quarter, and Bernard Quaye, Manager of the Jarman Park branch in Hemel Hempstead, it was clear that this was much more than a recruitment initiative. It was a shared commitment to inclusion.
“We don’t want to work with Step2Skills because we have a recruitment problem - we want to work with them because it’s the right thing to do.” Joah Almeida, Manager - Nando’s Watford Met Quarter
The sentiment perfectly reflects the ethos of Step2Skills, which exists to support Hertfordshire residents - particularly those with disabilities or additional needs - into meaningful work.
Through tailored employment support, skills development, and employer engagement, Step2Skills helps individuals build confidence, gain experience, and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. This not only bolsters the local economy but enables employers to fill vacancies with eager local talent.
Over the past year, Nando’s has become a standout example of what inclusive employment can look like in practice. The company’s partnership with Step2Skills has led to a series of impactful initiatives across Hertfordshire.
From hosting Discovery Days in branches across Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, and Stevenage, to offering paid roles and supported internships, Nando’s has opened doors for individuals who often face systemic challenges in the job market.
Their involvement has gone far beyond recruitment. Nando’s has actively participated in Inclusive Job Fairs, collaborated with local organisations such as Sunnyside Rural Trust, Watford General and Watford FC, and engaged in neurodiversity awareness training to foster a more understanding and adaptable workplace culture. Joao’s leadership on the Step2Skills Employer Forum has also helped shape best practices and inspire other businesses to follow suit.
One of the most promising developments has been the launch of a supported internship programme with West Herts College, which Nando’s is now looking to expand to other local organisations. These internships provide structured, on-the-job learning experiences that often lead to paid employment, demonstrating the long-term value of inclusive hiring.
At the 2025 Step2Skills Achievement Awards, Joao was honoured with a Special Recognition for his outstanding contributions to inclusive employment. It was a moment that celebrated not just individual leadership, but a company-wide culture of compassion, adaptability, and purpose.
Step2Skills continues to work with employers across the county to create inclusive workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive. As one of Hertfordshire Futures’ key service brands, the programme offers a range of support, from job coaching and workplace adjustments to employer training and strategic advice, ensuring that inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.
Are you a local employer looking to level up your business with a diverse, passionate and inclusive workforce? Support is available from Step2Skills.
We don’t want to work with Step2Skills because we have a recruitment problem - we want to work with them because it’s the right thing to do.
We don’t want to work with Step2Skills because we have a recruitment problem - we want to work with them because it’s the right thing to do.