New Initiative To Help Disabled People Become Apprentices

A new government initiative aims to help two million disabled people into work by 2020 as part of the government’s goal to halve the disability employment gap.

Only 6% of people with learning difficulties are currently in employment. Making apprenticeships and training opportunities more accessible will support many more people into work.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:

‘After visiting Foxes Academy in Bridgewater, a hospitality and training hotel for young adults with learning disabilities featured on Channel 5 in September, I was convinced of the value of a vocational approach and the need for targeted policy intervention in this area. Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities for individuals to learn whilst they earn, developing the skills and knowledge they need to progress their careers in a wide variety of occupations and at a range of levels.’

Skills Minister Nick Boles said:

‘Our commitment to apprenticeships is giving people everywhere the chance to develop vital skills while working in a real job and being paid. This taskforce will focus on how apprenticeships can be more accessible to people with learning disabilities so everyone can be part of the apprenticeships success story.’