Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is basically a job with training. You’ll get paid a wage and you’ll also get the chance to study towards a qualification.

Usually you’ll work four days a week and have one day for studying. The main benefit is that you’ll get lots of practical “on the job” experience while also getting a qualification too – both great for your CV and job applications.

This option could work for you if you want to start earning while continuing to study. Lots of employers rate apprentices because they finish their training with bags of real life work experience.

Apprenticeships can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on their level.

You shouldn’t be defined by a physical condition, chronic illness, or disability. And you shouldn’t be held back by it or by potential employers either. Barclays Apprenticeships mean your career is what you make it. From the moment you apply, we’ll be beside you, making sure nothing and no-one stand in your way. From adjusting our initial application procedures to providing counselling and making your working environment work for you, we’ll set the stage for you to be your best self.

Apprenticeships can be a great, direct route for disabled people to get skilled jobs and careers. They cover a wide range of vocational areas, there are many different and flexible ways to join and we believe recent changes to funding and entry criteria will help make apprenticeships even more accessible.

Disability Rights UK supports the government’s commitment to creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020. We believe this provides a unique opportunity to help meet another commitment – that of halving the disability employment gap

Our Into Apprenticeships 2017 guide deals with common questions such as how to find an apprenticeship, whether the training will be accessible and what support is available in the workplace. There are several inspiring stories written by disabled apprentices about their own experiences and the challenges they have faced. The guide also contains a useful resources section listing further websites, publications and organisations which can help.