Government report finds increase in number of young people with learning difficulties successfully completing apprenticeship programmes

A report commissioned by the Government into the provision of apprenticeships for people with a learning difficulty and/or disability (LDD) has found that the number of young people with a LDD successfully completing an apprenticeship has increased.

The research undertaken by Peter Little OBE found that while only 55.3% of young people with a LDD completed apprenticeships in 2005/06 this figure dramatically increased to 73.8% in 2010/11.  The likelihood of success also improved with older age groups, the 16-18 year old group has a success rate of 67.1%, 71.1% for 19-24 year olds and a 75% success rate 25+.

However, the report further announced that there has been a severe decrease in the number and proportion of apprentices declaring a moderate learning, visual impairments and multiple disabilities.  It has been suggested that this decrease was in part the result to funding arrangements.  Apprenticeships are fully funded for 16-18, however employers only receive 50% of funding for 19-24 year old.  Stakeholders and providers have outlined that learners with LDD are more “Apprenticeship ready” in the 19 – 24 age range.