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<p>Apprenticeships are paid jobs, and whilst we would not want to interfere in employers’
recruitment decisions, we believe there is more that can be done to ensure that people
from a diverse range of backgrounds are in the best possible place to apply for and
secure an apprenticeship. For instance, the availability of reasonable adjustments
for disabled learners (who can apply for Access to Work funding) and the accessibility
of online tests. Employers must fulfil their duties as set out in the Equality Act
2010 for apprentices as they would for other employees.</p><p>Government also fully
funds apprentices aged 19 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
Apprentices aged 19 to 24 without an EHC Plan, who have a learning difficulty and/or
disability can benefit from additional funding through Learning Support.</p><p>Advice
is also available to help employers and training providers understand disabilities
and how to better support disabled apprentices. We have funded NIACE to produce an
employer toolkit <a href="http://www.employer-toolkit.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.employer-toolkit.org.uk/</a>
for employers that want to develop a more inclusive and accessible apprenticeship
offer.</p><p>An Apprenticeships Equality and Diversity Advisory group helps government
understand and address any apprenticeship equality and diversity issues in order to
reduce barriers and make apprenticeships as inclusive as possible.</p>
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