Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Apprenticeships and traineeships

How apprenticeships and traineeships work for disabled people, including extra support that may be available.

Guidance, not legal advice. This page summarises official UK sources listed below. What applies to you depends on your circumstances and nation.

Last reviewed
1 August 2026
Next review due
1 February 2027

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine paid work with structured training towards a recognised qualification. Disabled apprentices are entitled to reasonable adjustments in the same way as any other employee, and some awarding bodies allow extra time or adapted assessment methods.

Extra support

  • Access to Work can support disabled apprentices with extra costs, such as equipment or a support worker
  • Some apprenticeship providers can adjust the English and maths requirements for apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability, in line with published exceptions
  • Traineeships offer shorter, unpaid or low-paid pre-employment training, often including work experience, for those not yet ready for an apprenticeship

Checklist

  • Ask the training provider what adjustments they can make to assessments
  • Check whether you may be eligible for exceptions to English and maths requirements
  • Ask about Access to Work support if extra costs are involved

Where to get help