1.
@LearnWorkUK

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 5

6.
Hints and tips for recruiting and supporting apprentices
Employer case studies: gender, disability, ethnicity, age
Sources of further information and support

7. 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

8. 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

9. Employer Case Studies

10. 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

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

12. Further information and support

13. 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 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.

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

15. Further information and support

16. THANK YOU Lauren. Bennett@learningandwork. org. uk www
THANK YOU