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Sharing effective practice: the Employer Toolkit 6 February 2018 Lauren Bennett, Senior Researcher

Context: where are we now? Government target of 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 (broadly on track). But risk of hitting the target and missing the point? Government commitment to reducing disability employment gap – apprenticeships can play key role.

Context: where are we now? There is under-representation in apprenticeships across a range of characteristics, including ethnicity, gender, household income & caring responsibilities. C.one in six working age people have a long-term health problem or disability. This compares with c. one in ten apprentices with a disability or learning difficulty.

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www.employer-toolkit.org.uk Hints and tips for recruiting and supporting apprentices Employer case studies: gender, disability, ethnicity, age Sources of further information and support

Hints and tips for recruiting apprentices Thinking about the language used in the job description Being clear that candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds are welcome to apply Conducting outreach and working with partners to advertise vacancies Offering work trials or shadowing opportunities Holding specific recruitment events for under-represented groups

Hints and tips for hiring apprentices Being aware of available support and funding options Thinking about reasonable adjustments Ensuring appropriate support is in place – e.g. working with external agencies or offering a buddy ‘Job-carving’ Providing development and progression opportunities

Employer Case Studies

Case studies Enable Supported Employment Service Kent County Council Luton and Dunstable Hospital Trust Mencap Preparing for Adulthood, working with North Hertfordshire College and GlaxoSmithKline 10

Non-traditional recruitment practices Strengths-based recruitment Work trials Pipeline activities Video CVs Supported model Pictorial personal introduction 11

Further information and support

Further information and support Supporting Apprentices service: support for apprentices with mental health condition Our research has found that mental health is a key issue that is impacting individuals ability to successfully undertake and complete an apprenticeship. Supporting Apprentices MHSS has provided mental health support to apprentices since May 2016. It is a confidential service which aims to provide apprentices with the support and tools they need to manage their mental health problems, primarily within the workplace setting. Apprentices can refer themselves to the service and the training provider / employer do not have to be informed. Support is free (based on A2W decision) and can be for an diagnosed or undiagnosed condition. This service is an underused resource at present. It initially had a target of 1,600 referrals within the first year, yet the service has received approximately 150 referrals to date. Across the sector as a whole they have found low engagement in the service amongst employers and providers and awareness in the service is low.

Further information and support Disability confident employer scheme Apprenticeship Diversity Champions network Business Disability Forum BASE UK: Knowledge Base Mencap resources for employers

Further information and support www.learningandwork.org.uk/our-work/work-and-careers/traineeships

THANK YOU Lauren. Bennett@learningandwork. org. uk www THANK YOU Lauren.Bennett@learningandwork.org.uk www.employer-toolkit.org.uk www.learningandwork.org.uk