An introduction to funded support options for Apprentices at University of the Built Environment.

If you are an Apprentice who has shared an identification of autism, our Disability Support team will get in touch with you to discuss support and adjustments. Although Apprentices are not eligible to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), there is alternative government funding we can use to provide support.

Support is tailored on an individual basis in order to ensure access to the most effective options for you. This could include:

• Assessment adjustments such as extensions on coursework, extra time on exams, and alternative assessment options
• Assistive software such as Genio (note taking software), Grammarly, and Scholarcy (research and summary generating app)
• One to One specialist mentoring or study skills support, provided by Clear Links
• Equipment you may need, such as an ergonomic chair if you experience physical or mobility challenges

Getting used to life as an Apprentice can be a challenge for anyone. With information to learn about your workplace, modules, and the Apprenticeship side of things, it is important to know that there is support, information and resources available if you need them. Talking to us about any questions or concerns you have, and exploring the support on offer, can help ensure you have the best possible university experience.

You can contact the Disability Support team by emailing disabilitysupport@ube.ac.uk

It can be helpful to gather some supporting documentation of your needs before meeting with a Disability Adviser. This will enable us to explore funded support options available to you. Supporting documentation can include a full assessment report, a doctor’s letter, or any official documentation outlining your needs. We’ll need this in order to explore funded support options available to you.

It might be useful to think about:

• Any support you have received in the past, what has worked well, and what hasn’t worked for you
• Any assistive software or physical resources you have used to help you study in the past
• Any support you are receiving at work
• Your experience of teaching sessions, what helps you to gain an understanding of a new topic or concept
• How you have found note taking and researching for assignments
• How you have found assessments in the past, e.g. exams, essays, presentations, etc.
• How you plan to manage your studies alongside other commitments
• Any involvement you have from other teams or service, e.g. therapist, community mental health team
• Whether you would want to apply for Access to Work funding for further support in the workplace