Over the last decade, Training Plus Merseyside (tpm) and the Dyslexia Foundation have developed a strong working relationship which allows them to provide a comprehensive package of support to learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. tpm has developed a culture of supporting and enabling apprentices to reach their potential, so that the identification, diagnosis and support of disability and learning needs are central to its provision.

How it works

tpm screens apprentices for additional needs using 'Dyslexiacheck', an online tool developed by the Dyslexia Foundation. If the screening is positive, the Foundation runs a full psychometric assessment with the apprentice and provides tpm with a report detailing the diagnosis, the support the apprentice needs and how this relates to their occupational area.

tpm then provides a range of support both to the apprentice and their employer, including: developing a learning plan in consultation with the apprentice; emphasising the importance of using coloured paper and overlays; peer support with apprentices at the Dyslexia Foundation; use of assistive technology such as iPads, smartphone apps, voice recorders, dictation and speech to text; the use of an e-portfolio; extra time in examinations; and scribes and readers.

Outcomes and benefits

For employers

Employers who work with tpm have found that hiring an apprentice with dyslexia or another learning disability or difficulty has not been a barrier to them achieving or making a significant contribution to the organisation. The support from tpm and the Dyslexia Foundation has made the prospect of hiring and supporting a disabled apprentice less daunting for employers.

For apprentices

tpm can demonstrate that their apprentices with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties achieve to the same level as apprentices who are not disabled. The majority of apprentices supported by tpm are kept on as permanent members of staff by their employers, and some are now employers in their own right. These young people are starting to hire their own apprentices and use tpm to deliver the learning.

Critical success factors

• Senior management's commitment to equality and diversity enables tpm to provide effective support to disabled learners and improve their success rates.
• The right approach to supporting apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities enables them to succeed at the same level as other apprentices. 
• tpm’s comprehensive provision means that employers can hire disabled apprentices without worrying about the additional cost or support they may require.

Further information and contacts

Training Plus Merseyside (tpm) is a specialist vocational training company based in Liverpool. They offer Traineeships, Apprenticeships and a range of NVQ^definition and professional CPD^definition courses. For more information, visit www.tpmnow.co.uk

The Dyslexia Foundation is a national organisation offering specialist one-to-one study skills support to learners with learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia. For more information, visit www.dyslexia-help.org

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