Support sparks job success

APPRENTICESHIP providers are making it easier for people with learning difficulties to access vocational training.

East Coast Apprenticeships chief executive Alan Sparks says while those with dyslexia and other learning difficulties are typically very successful, they often face hurdles during the application process.

“So many young people have come in and, when we sit them down to do a literacy assessment, they just walk straight out the door,” Sparks says. But he says those with learning difficulties who undertake an apprenticeship are more than capable of completing it.

“They’re actually far more meticulous in what they do because they’re determined to be seen to be ‘normal’, in a sense … so they work harder,” he says.

Sparks estimates about 14 per cent of trade workers have an undisclosed learning difficulty, such as dyslexia. Instead of the traditional literacy and numeracy assessments given to would-be apprentices, East Coast Apprenticeships have adopted a language-free assessment tool, called a Q Test, that involves games designed to measure aptitude.

The test assigns people a score between one and five. A score of three or higher indicates a high likelihood of being able to successfully complete an apprenticeship.

Sparks says the Q Test helps to “identify the trainability” of an individual.

“It’s about empowering individuals to know that, although they may have a learning difficulty, they have the ability to be trained … and go on to be very successful,” he says.

Maxima customer relationship manager Tina Tedesco-Vella says once an apprentice starts training, support can be provided to those with learning difficulties.

“Training can be structured so written course components are spread out over a longer period and there is more hands-on work in between,’’ she says.

“Assessments can also be customised so they are oral exams rather than written tests.”

Aaron Scarce, 24, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, was rejected by more than 30 employers in his quest to secure a sheet metal fabrication apprenticeship.

After completing a Q Test, he was signed up with host employer Steridium which offered him a full-time job after he finished his apprenticeship earlier this year.

“I spent a long time trying to get a foot in the door but I was always struggling with the maths and the spelling and that sort of thing,” Scarce says.

“The Q Test really helped. It tested my ability to remember and … instead of looking at numbers and words, I was able to show what I could do.”