Blog: Accessing apprenticeships for deaf young people
To support Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, Deaf Roots and Pride Transitions Officer at British Deaf Association Scotland, Moira Ross explains the organisation's work to ensure information on apprenticeships is accessible to deaf young people.
BDA Scotland’s Deaf Roots and Pride (DRP) Transitions project supports Deaf young people, age 8 – 25 years, across Scotland.
We support Deaf young people and professionals in all aspects of transitioning phases through a Deaf young person’s life.
We work closely with schools, organisations and Deaf role models to create valuable opportunities for Deaf young people to access a host of information on career and education options as part of their journey to adulthood.
Working to promote apprenticeships
DRP Transitions project has been working with SDS to offer opportunities for Deaf young people across Scotland to have access to the information that is available on apprenticeship opportunities.
In 2024, DRP and SDS organised a one-day event in Glasgow for Deaf young people S4 – S6 to come along and learn about foundation, modern and graduate apprenticeships. Two Deaf role models attended and gave a talk about their own experiences of having taken an apprenticeship route in to work. SDS also provided a workshop for young people on how to write an effective CV, with tips and hints specifically relevant to applying for apprenticeship opportunities.
Access to information and opportunities
DRP believe offering these Deaf role model experiences to our young people allows them to learn first-hand from other Deaf people about what the apprenticeship journey can look like.
There are many opportunities for young people to move on to after their secondary school journey has ended, and ensuring our Deaf young people have access to the same options as their hearing peers is essential. This allows Deaf young people to understand that there are more ways to gain qualifications than the traditional academic route, which may not suit all.
We also work alongside schools across Scotland offering various workshops and Deaf role model events to give our young Deaf people as much information about transitions and future career paths as possible.
DRP would like to see all Deaf young people experience a supported and positive transition to adult to fulfil their potential in their chosen career.