The opportunities for apprentice learners with learning difficulties and disabilities are growing
The barriers that once prevented many apprentice learners with learning difficulties and disabilities (LDDs) from getting apprenticeships, and successfully completing them, are being overcome. There has been a strong push by the government towards enabling apprentice learners with LDDs to access more apprenticeship and learning opportunities, and crucially the support they need to succeed. This explored and confirmed by the governments acceptance of a taskforce chaired by Paul Maynard, which has worked to identify barriers to participation and make suggestions for how they can be removed[1].
There has been a formal recognition of the many factors, which, in the past, have prevented apprentice learners with LDDs including those with mental health issues from accessing apprenticeship opportunities. Ranging from physical barriers to financial concerns and other factors.
Apprenticeships once considered “off limits” to those with LDDs are now being made progressively more accessible.
“Almost all apprenticeships can be made accessible and being disabled should not restrict peoples’ job choices. It’s possible, for example, for deaf people to work in music publishing, visually impaired people to take apprenticeships in photography and apprentices with dyslexia to support teaching and learning in schools.”[2]
Under the Equality Act 2010 it is a legal duty for all training providers and employers to offer additional support as needed to their apprentice learners with LDDs, and funding is available to cover these costs.
Telling your training provider or employer about your disability
This is the first step towards accessing support, but it can seem like a daunting task for many. It is helpful to remember that the focus should always be on how the support you are entitled to as an apprentice learner with LDDs can enable you to successfully complete your apprenticeship, rather than on the disability itself.
The initial application forms provided by training providers and employers when applying for apprenticeship positions will be the first opportunity you have to disclose any disability and ask for support.
- You will receive an Equal Opportunities form separate to the main application form. This will make HR professionals aware of any support you may need at a job interview.
- When applying for a vacancy online with the National Apprenticeship Service, the About You section asks if there is any support needed during your interview, for example you may wish to have another person come with you or require information in Braille.
- The Monitoring Information section will ask if you consider yourself to have a disability or other health problems. You can choose to answer any way you wish, and this information will not be passed on to employers or have any bearing on the selection process.
Positive advantages of telling your training provider or employer about your disability
Although it can be difficult to tell people about your disability when applying for an apprenticeship, there are many positive reasons for doing so.
You have the right to equal treatment
Training providers and employers have a legal duty, under the Equality Act 2010, to give equal treatment to apprentice learners with LDDs including mental health conditions. They are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to enable apprentice learners with LDDs to access the workplace or training room, for example, and successfully complete their apprenticeships. Until any disability is disclosed, it can be difficult for employers and training providers to give this kind of support and also make it harder to complain if they don’t.
There is funding available to cover support costs
Don’t worry that your training provider or employer will be out of pocket. The Education and Skills Funding agency (ESFA) provides the funding necessary to cover the costs of additional learning support for apprentice learners with LDDs. This support is claimed via the Individualised Learned Record (ILR) and any excesses claimed through the Earnings Adjustment Statement (EAS). This is all part of ensuring your right to equal treatment under the Equality Act 2010.
Experience of living with a learning difficulty or disability can make you a stronger candidate
The skills you may have learned from managing a disability or learning difficulty could make you a stronger candidate for an apprenticeship. Being open about how you deal with situations unique to your disability could potentially give you an advantage over other candidates.
Accessing the right support
This strong push toward inclusivity for apprentice learners with LDDs is a positive move and much support is available. However, it is vital to know how to access it.
Talk in confidence to members of staff responsible for the support you need
Colleges and most large training providers have dedicated members of staff who are responsible for coordinating support for apprentice learners with LDDs. Usually called the Additional or Extended Learning Support Advisor (ALS or ELS) or Disability Coordinator[3]. Having a confidential discussion with them about your needs will enable them to access and provide the support you require.
Support comes in many different forms
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to support for apprentice learners with LDDs. Whatever you need to enable you to succeed in your apprenticeship should be provided by your training provider or employer. This includes, but it not limited to:
- Providing assistive technology
- Study skills support
- One to one mentoring
- Communication support
- Providing handouts in larger font or different colour paper
- Extra time to complete assessments
- Changing parts of your job description
Additional support in the workplace via Access to Work
This fund provided by the Department for Work and Pensions is intended to cover the cost of any support needed over and above ‘reasonable adjustments’, which are covered by an employer. The grant is based on a person’s individual needs and can help pay for things such as:
- Special equipment, adaptations or support worker services to help do things like answer the phone or go to meetings.
- Help getting to and from work.
You do not need to pay any of the grant back, and it does not affect other benefits.[4]
Where can I get more support and advice?
Whether you are an apprentice learner, employer or training provider Amano can help. Contact one of our friendly team today and find out how we can help you access the support you need and are entitled to.
[1] House of Commons Education Committee ‘The Apprenticeships Ladder of Opportunity – Quality not Quantity’
[2] Disability Rights UK ‘Into Apprenticeships’
[3] Disability Rights UK ‘Into Apprenticeships’
[4] National Apprenticeship Service ‘The Essential Guide to Apprenticeship Support’
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