6-12 February marks National Apprenticeship week. We are celebrating this important route into work for thousands of young people each year. If your family member has aspirations to enter the workplace, perhaps this is an option for them.
An apprenticeship is a paid role where the person learns skills and gains experience in a practical work setting. This will take place alongside classroom-based learning through a college, university or training provider. It will then lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
The variety of apprenticeships available is vast, and support is available for people with disabilities via Access to Work (a government scheme) and reasonable adjustments made by the employer and apprenticeship facilitator.
For more information on apprenticeship disability support, UCAS has some useful information here: Support for disabled people taking apprenticeships
You can search for apprenticeships in a number of ways, for example, City & Guilds has as a great search tool, as does Gov.uk.
For further information and resources around apprenticeships, Amazing apprenticeships have got you covered. You’ll find guides on applying for apprenticeships, writing covering letters and much more.
For people with disabilities aged 16 – 24, supported internships may be a great alternative to an apprenticeship. Supported internships are for people who want to start a career but may need some extra support. It won’t lead to a qualification like a paid apprenticeship, but will help to build valuable workplace skills and confidence. Search for your local council’s offer to find out more about supported internships near your
Remember, if you’re supporting anybody to apply for an apprenticeship or supported internship, be sure to check with whoever pays their benefits to see if they’ll be affected in any way.
