SEND Supported Apprenticeships & The AAC Awards

SEND Supported Apprenticeships & The AAC Awards

 

We are pleased to announce that Devon County Council has been shortlisted as National Finalist for the Send Apprenticeship Champion Award at the Annual Apprenticeship Conference Apprenticeship Awards 2021! 

The awards ceremony will take place virtually on Thursday the 8^th July. We would like to thank the managers, teams, and the apprentices themselves for their hard work; it's great see this fantastic scheme is being nationally recognised.

The awards were established in 2017 as a joint project by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP). 

 

What are Supported Apprenticeships? 

Supported Apprenticeships are designed for individuals who have a recognised learning difficulty and /or disability and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Our Supported Apprentices started their journey as a Supported Intern for one year at Devon County Council and upon successful completion, they progressed onto a Supported Apprenticeship with Petroc College and are currently completing a Level 2 Business and Administration Apprenticeship.

Normally, the transition would be seamless with an interview (with reasonable adjustments) to ensure the intern knows what is expected of them and what they need to do. The Job Coach and/or Mentor can be present at this interview. In addition, they will be required to achieve from entry level 3 up to level 2 Functional Skills in math and English (unless exempt) as part of the Apprenticeship.

 

How does it feel to have a supported apprentice in your team? 

Gill Loman, SEND Resources Manager, shares her experience of having a Supported Apprentice in her team. 

"The SEN 0-25 Team greatly appreciate how the SEND Apprenticeship Programme has provided an opportunity and support to young people with additional needs. Our Apprentice’s journey with us has been a learning process for us all.

He has progressed significantly over the last couple of years, so much so that we now rely on his skills as part of the Resource and Data team. He is always willing to help and is dedicated in doing his job to the best of his ability. He enjoys the work and thrives on his achievements.

It has also made us more aware as a team of supporting colleagues who may have additional needs in training, mentoring, hearing their voice and designing tasks and this has enriched our approach to working in DCC."

 

How does supporting a SEND apprentice work?

Keith Beeks, Accounts Payable Team Manager, explains his first-hand experience of how working with a Supported Apprentice works. 

"Being part of the SEND Apprenticeship Programme has been extremely rewarding, I've been able to see the confidence of a young person grow, whilst simultaneously helping build their workplace skills during the two years they're with us.

Each Apprentice has a support worker who plays a vital role in helping you identify how the Apprentice learns best, what their needs are and how you can meet them. They take time to understand the work you are asking the Apprentice to cover, then support them in completing their tasks. This is really important when you are extremely busy, as you know the Apprentice will always have someone to turn to for help if you are unavailable.

I would highly recommend the SEND Apprenticeship Programme, as it provides an opportunity for young people to gain employment experience and real-life skills. This not only helps them now but also long after they have completed the programme."