Support and help for apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability

Jan 31, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jul 22

Many UK employers offer support and equipment to help apprentices with special educational needs and disability (SEND) do their jobs. This includes making reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process. After all, employers want their workforce to reflect the diverse range of customers they serve, and to select from the widest pool of available talent.

Look out for companies displaying the Disability Confident logo on job or apprenticeship adverts. These companies have signed up to a government-led scheme designed to recruit and retain disabled people and people with long-term health conditions for their skills and talent. There are three levels of accreditation, aligned with bronze, silver and gold standards: committed, employer and leader.

What financial support is available?

Access to Work (AtW) funding is available to support apprentices in the workplace, providing money towards extra costs such as travel, specially adapted equipment or support workers. The money doesn't have to be paid back and is only available for additional costs, not expenses that any apprentice would incur.

To enable employers and trainers to make reasonable adjustments and provide a suitable training and work environment, there's extra funding via the government and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for those employing young people who were previously in care, had an education, health and care plan (EHCP), or require adjustments under the Equality Act.

Making reasonable adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, all UK employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for their disabled employees. While it may be unreasonable to expect an employer to install a lift for a wheelchair user, it's reasonable to expect them to provide a ground-floor office or workspace. Other reasonable adjustments may include additional time during tests for employees with learning needs, or appropriate resources such as voice-activated software, a laptop or a dictaphone.

Meeting minimum standards in English and maths

If SEND prevents someone meeting the minimum standard in English and maths needed for the apprenticeship qualification or entry requirements, there may be some flexibility. Any concerns should be discussed with the training provider, who can arrange an approved assessment if appropriate.

Finding local opportunities

Local authority websites, in the Local Offer section, include details about supporting young people with SEND into work, including apprenticeships.

For more information on apprenticeships and why they might be a first-rate option for your child, take a look at The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships.