London Apprenticeship Project

1. Disability Rights UK London Apprenticeship Project Helping young disabled adults pursue their goals, ambitions and aspirations for work

2. Securing a better future through Education, Employment, Income, Health & Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, Choice and Control Strengthen the social foundations of your company through inclusion & diversity Employing disabled young adults is easier than most companies perceive with most cases requiring small workplace adjustments An opportunity to provide young disabled adults with freedom of choice enabling greater control over their career ambitions and life aspirations KEEP CALM AND HIRE AN APPRENTICE Making a Difference

3. A Case for Apprenticeships • An opportunity to establish an ‘employer-led’ scheme to develop talent based on organisational needs • 80% of companies who invest in apprenticeships have reported a significant increase in employee retention - NAS • Government funding is now likely to cover full training costs for disabled young adults aged 16-24 • 83% of employers who employ apprentices rely on their apprenticeships programme to provide skilled workers - NAS

4. How does it work? Employer with existing scheme Employer introduces DRUK to training provider Employer new to apprenticeships DRUK links employer to partner training provider DRUK promotes opportunity amongst partner charities + other key partners Disabled applicants are referred to DRUK DRUK identifies key Support needs & provides guidance on reasonable adjustments Training provider/college supports Employer with funding & AGE grant applications DRUK provides ad hoc in-work support to employers drawing on expertise of partner charities where needed to support success DRUK supports apprentice & employer with AtW application Disabled apprentice is recruited successfully DRUK introduces suitable candidates to employers & training providers along with guidance

5. Changing Lives • Apprenticeships offer a significant pathway for disabled people to achieve independence, social inclusion and dignity • The benefits of paid work far outstretch beyond financial gain – they can positively influence employees and work cultures • An opportunity to demonstrate good practice through case studies and leading by example • Work is a key pillar of wellbeing

6. EMPLOYERS DR UK NEEDS YOU Support Our Initiative • Informal pledge based on trust • Commitment to setting up an apprenticeship programme or grant access to existing ones • Explore the prospect of work placements, internships and traineeships • Duly consider applicants submitted by the project allocating interview slots for those who meet criterion • Be willing to consider alternative means for applicants to demonstrate ability and skill-set within agreed frameworks • Take part in (free) disability related workshops aimed at developing staff’s disability awareness to proactively encourage social inclusion

7. Our Pledge to You • First point of contact for applicants to facilitate information advice & guidance around reasonable adjustments and individual support needs • Provide a direct link to training providers & charities for expertise and support around disability • Help manage the recruitment process • Support Access to Work applications • Provide Ad Hoc in-work support to promote sustainability and success • Increase disability awareness among workforce through workshops & training

8. How can I get involved? • It’s easy!! Simply get in touch for an initial discussion to ascertain the organisational needs and agree on a course of action that’ll suit your business. • For a further discussion on how we can work in partnership contact project coordinator Danny Estrada ondanny.estrada@disabilityrightsuk.org or call 020 7566 0118