A new taskforce announced this week will help more people with learning disabilities to access apprenticeships.

The taskforce comes as part of the government’s goal to create three million apprenticeships by 2020, and to halve the disability employment gap.

It has been created by the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Department for Education.

Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, said: “After visiting Foxes Academy in Bridgewater, a hospitality and training hotel for young adults with learning disabilities, I was convinced of the value of a vocational approach and the need for targeted policy intervention in this area.

“Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities for individuals to learn whilst they earn, developing the skills and knowledge they need to progress their careers in a wide variety of occupations and at a range of levels.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Our commitment to apprenticeships is giving people everywhere the chance to develop vital skills while working in a real job and being paid. This task-force will focus on how apprenticeships can be more accessible to people with learning disabilities so everyone can be part of the apprenticeships success story.”

Only 6 per cent of people with learning difficulties are in employment. Making apprenticeships more accessible will support many more people into work.

The taskforce will meet three times throughout May and June: once to identify issues, then to explore solutions.