The Apprentice Steps programme offers a blended college and work placement course of learning for young adults with learning difficulties. The pre-Apprenticeship programme was developed in partnership by Luton Adult Learning, Luton Borough Council’s New Horizons service, and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust in response to the lack of Apprenticeships which were accessible to people with learning difficulties. Two of the original cohort of ten Apprentice Steps learners have successfully progressed to an Intermediate Apprenticeship with Luton and Dunstable University NHS^definition Trust.

How it works

The course starts with an intensive, twelve-week induction programme which allows for thorough profiling of learner skills and capabilities. Learners are then matched to vacancies offered by Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust in areas such as Human Resources, the library, staff restaurant and fracture clinic.

Benefits for Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust and their mentors

Luton and Dunstable Hospital Trust has experienced a range of positive outcomes as a result of participating in the Apprentice Steps programme, including improved efficiency, a more inclusive workforce and gaining loyal, hardworking members of staff who make valuable contributions to the business.

Learners, mentors, teams and departments have learned that disabled apprentices make valuable contributions to their organisation and have overcome their misconceptions about the abilities of disabled colleagues.

Benefits for learners and their families

Learners experienced a wide range of benefits from being involved in Apprentice Steps, including huge improvements in their confidence, independence, employability and communication skills.

Critical success factors

• A twelve-week college-based induction programme enables learners to get used to a routine and learn about the expectations of a workplace.
• A comprehensive induction programme means learners can be matched to appropriate vacancies according to their skills and competencies.
• Allocating a mentor to learners from within their team means learners can be confident to raise any issues or concerns.

Further information and contacts

Luton Adult Learning specialise in delivering courses, qualifications, learning opportunities and services designed to meet the needs of both individuals and employers. For further information, please visit http://www.lutonacl.ac.uk/ or email [email protected]

New Horizons offers employment support to individuals with a learning difficulty or disability to enable them to progress and maximise their independence. For further information, please contact Chris Brandom, New Horizons Team Leader, 01582 548371, [email protected]

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital Trust is an award winning hospital trust which provides high quality employment and training opportunities to their local economy. For further information, please visit http://www.ldh.nhs.uk/

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