Apprenticeships are work based training for 16 to 25 year olds where you will have a real job and train, providing you with the opportunity to gain industry knowledge and skills on the job while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. More information is available on the apprenticeships page on the government website.
Apprenticeships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities:
There are, however, English and maths ‘exit requirements’ for apprenticeships set by the government (qualifications you must achieve to complete your apprenticeship). These vary according to the level of apprenticeship but as a minimum they will be:
- level 2 – an English and maths qualification of at least level 1 (Functional Skills Level 1 or GCSE grade E or 2) You must also study for a level 2 qualification in English and maths and take the tests, before taking the end-point assessment or achieving an apprenticeship framework
- level 3 or above – level 2 Functional Skills or GCSE qualifications grade A* to C (or 9 to 4) in English and maths before taking the end-point assessment or achieving an apprenticeship framework
If a young person has an education, health and plan (EHCP) there may be flexibility around the English and maths qualifications they would need to complete their apprenticeship (you may be exempt from completing this element). Please speak to your employer or training provider for more information.
As with any other job, an applicant can request extra support known as ‘reasonable adjustments’ for help with the application process and for support on the apprenticeship itself (both at work and while studying). Young people should speak to their tutors or careers advisers at school or college if they have special educational needs and disabilities, and think they should have reasonable adjustments.
What support is available for apprentices with additional needs?
The government provides extra funding to support apprentices with special educational needs and disabilities. Payments of £1000 each are available for training providers and employers with apprentices aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 who have an education, health and care plan, or were previously in care.
Training providers can also claim learning support of up to £150 per month (up to £1,800 per year) from the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) to support reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act for an apprentice’s additional costs, and excess learning support up to £19,000.
Access to work funding is also available to support apprentices in the workplace.
And as mentioned above, if a young person has, or previously had, an education, health and plan or statement, there may be flexibility around the English and maths qualifications they would need to complete their apprenticeship. Find out more about support and flexibility for apprenticeships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities on the preparing for adulthood section of the national development team for inclusion website.
How to decide?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?
| Advantage or disadvantage | Supported Internship | Apprenticeship | Further Education |
Other options for example, personalised learning college |
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Other things to consider
- will you enjoy your course? Will it get you closer to where you want to be?
- money - will you be able to afford this route? Are there any grants to help you?
- will you want or need an advocate for you at meetings? If so who?
- moving on support - what sort of support will you get to help you move to your new education provider?
- transport - how will you get to where you need to be and how long will it take? How much will it cost?
- regular support - what extra support do you need and will you get it? If you have one, will your education, health and care plan continue?
Travel Information
The post-16 travel assistance that we provide is covered by the Post-16 transport policy statement and is published on the 31 of May each year for consideration on all September course intakes.
View the transport to sixth form or college page.