How to access Learning Support
If you have told us about any learning support needs during the application process, our Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS)Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS)Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) will contact you.
Assessment of Need
With your consent, your SWIS Advisor will ask the Apprenticeships Hub to arrange for a Needs Assessment (also known as an Assessment of Need) with an external provider. The process is as follows:
- You will receive a referral notification from the Apprenticeships Hub
- The assessor will send you an initial assessment form to complete and return. They will use this information to identify what specific support you require, based on your individual needs and your course requirements.
- You will be provided with a draft report for you to either approve or request changes. At this stage you will be offered the opportunity to meet with the assessor on Zoom to discuss the report in more detail (this is optional).
- Once the assessor’s report is received the Apprenticeships Hub will purchase any equipment or support. Both the assessment and any support requirements identified will be arranged at no cost to you or your employer.
Taking a break in learning
If you need to take a break in your studies or intermit from your apprenticeship, any additional learning support will be paused until your return. For further information on breaks in learning you can contact the Apprenticeships Hub by emailing apprenticeships@essex.ac.uk
Privacy and consent to share information
Informing your employer about any additional needs is a personal decision; no health information is shared with your employer, or any other external organisation, without your express prior consent unless there is a legitimate concern for your safety or the safety of others.
Other available support
- The Skills for Success team offer free online courses, workshops, and one-to-one academic support to all registered students, including apprentices. You can find further information on the Skills For Success webpages.
- Access to Work is a government programme which supports people with physical or mental health conditions and disabilities to find work and stay in employment. This includes things like specialist equipment, help with travel costs, and grants to pay for coaching or mentoring. You can find more information about Access to Work on the GOV.UK website.
- The Disabled Apprentice Network (DAN) is a free to join network connecting current and previous apprentices so they can share their experiences and views on how apprenticeships can be improved. You can join or find out more on the DAN website. DAN is hosted by Disability Rights UK, the leading organisation in the UK for disabled people.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any learning support needs, you can contact our SWIS team for free,
confidential, and impartial advice.