Creating a Positive Learning Environment for all Apprentices
By Direct Partners Training Provider
Access to a positive and inclusive learning environment is crucial for apprentices to succeed in developing their skills and knowledge. Understanding that every apprentice has different experiences, abilities and learning needs ensures the provision of inclusive and supportive apprenticeships that are accessible to all.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of adult learners with Additional Support Needs and English as an Additional Language, entering education and apprenticeship programmes in Scotland. This creates a more diverse workforce and drives the demand for inclusive apprenticeship programmes. We are seeing improved access to education for people from a wider range of backgrounds, and also greater awareness and acknowledgement of the learning needs of all learners.
This shift is borne out in the national figures. Skills Development Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship Statistics report, published in May 2026, found that 17.0% of Modern Apprenticeship starts in 2025/26 self-identified as disabled – a rise of 0.3 percentage points on the previous year, and the highest proportion recorded to date. SDS also reported that Specific Learning Difficulty and Mental Health Difficulty were, once again, the most commonly selected disability categories among apprentices this year. Taken together, these figures point to a workforce that is becoming steadily more diverse in its learning needs – reinforcing why flexible, person-centred delivery can no longer be treated as an add-on, but needs to be built into how training is designed and delivered from the outset.
Direct Partners recognise the diversity of apprentices and are committed to providing individuals with equal opportunity to access and achieve a qualification and be successful in their field of work. Our trainers provide flexible delivery of the apprenticeships we deliver as we recognise that each apprentice is different.
Our trainers support apprentices with English as an Additional Language by explaining technical terms, using clear communication and creating visuals and other resources where required. The frequency of check-ins with the candidates will increase to offer the best support and guidance.
Apprentices with Additional Support Needs often require reasonable adjustments to be made and an individual action plan created, to enable them to participate fully. These adjustments might involve more frequent check-ins, providing additional time for the learners to complete agreed actions and using assisted technology. All of these strategies help trainers to meet the individual needs of our learners.
How Direct Partners promotes mutual respect for all and values diversity:
● Build positive relationships with apprentices and employers through open and regular communication and progress reviews
● Create an individual learning plan for the apprentice that is agreed upon by the learner and employer and is achievable
● Provide clear instructions and visual demonstrations for actions to help apprentices gather evidence for their portfolio
● Offer regular 1-1 support meetings where we share constructive feedback, and the apprentice can feel safe to ask questions and share ideas
● Use a variety of teaching methods to suit different learning styles
● Recognise progress each quarter and celebrate their achievements
● Promote teamwork and peer learning through the work-based learning model
● Promote and encourage our apprentices to engage in Continued Professional Development even after they have achieved their qualification in partnership with employer and sector expectations
Effective communication is essential, and our trainers set realistic expectations and agree upon action plans with the apprentice and the employer. We also recognise the importance of regular constructive feedback and viewing each interaction as a learning opportunity. Committing to a collaborative process involving the apprentice and the employer is how we ensure a successful learning journey for all apprentices.
A positive learning environment not only positively impacts the learners, but it also has benefits for the employer. The apprentice is gaining confidence, knowledge and skills in a supportive and inclusive way, which can increase their engagement and productivity.
At Direct Partners, we plan inclusive learning activities and respond to the individual needs of our apprentices, so that our trainers can create an environment where all apprentices have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Direct Partners is an award-winning training provider based in Edinburgh, delivering SDS-funded tech qualifications across Scotland. To find out more or check eligibility, visit directpartners.co.uk or call 0131 600 0820.
