As an apprenticeship provider we are committed to supporting you in achieving the best results and enabling you to progress in your career. Part of this commitment involves helping eligible apprentices with identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities (including mental health conditions, and SpLDs such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia) to access University support, and Learning Support Funding from the Government.
The type of support available includes, but is not limited to:
If you have declared any learning support needs during the application process, you will be contacted by our Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Services (SWIS). Subject to providing relevant medical/diagnostic evidence you will be allocated a SWIS Advisor to help set up any additional support you may need (additional time in assessments for example).
If you suspect that you may have additional learning needs but do not have a formal diagnosis the SWIS team can help you to arrange a diagnostic assessment.
If you did not declare any support needs during the application process, you can do so at any time during your apprenticeship. All you need to do is contact the SWIS team. Please remember to let them know that you are an apprentice, as the funding process is different for full-time students.
Depending on the nature of your additional learning needs, you may be eligible for a higher level of support (for example, one-to-one support with a specialist tutor or assistive technology). If an additional learning support need is identified your SWIS Advisor will ask for your consent to notify the Apprenticeships Hub. We will then arrange for an Assessment of Need, where an independent assessor will consider your learning needs and the requirements for your course. Once we receive their report, we will put the recommendations into place.
Any support requirements identified during your Assessment of Need will be arranged at no cost to you or your employer.
Informing your employer is a personal decision. Please rest assured that anything you share with either us or the SWIS team will remain entirely confidential. No information is shared with your employer (or any other external organisation) without your express prior consent unless there is a legitimate concern for your safety or the safety of others. This is a legal requirement as part of The Equality Act (2010).
It is important to remember however that if you use your work computer to install any Assistive Technology, you will need to have your employer’s permission.
If you need to take a break in your studies, and/or intermit from your apprenticeship, the additional learning support will be paused until your return. For further information on breaks in learning you can contact the Apprenticeships Hub.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any learning support needs, you can contact our SWIS team for free, confidential, and impartial advice.