Lord Storey
Main Page: Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Baroness Wilcox
That is absolutely right, and that is why it is important for us to have functional skills, which are much more accessible to people with disabilities. I would be happy to talk to the noble Lord further on that matter.
Lord Storey
My Lords, the Minister will be aware that those students who go to university who have special needs are supported, perhaps through a scribe or assistive software, but that is not the case with apprenticeships. How would the Minister advise on this case? An apprentice electrician had an outstanding report on his practical skills from his employer. However, as he failed his key skills component, his employer was unable to retain him and he is now, sadly, unemployed. What advice would the Minister give to that young person as to the support that we could give him and other apprentices?
Baroness Wilcox
I am very sorry to hear this. We have just commissioned Peter Little to carry out research and recommend improvements to the accessibility of these apprenticeships. In April we will publish his report and a plan setting out exactly what we will do to improve and to help the situation.