Mixed methods analysis of an exploratory apprenticeship model employment program for young adults with developmental disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated: (1) the vocational and support experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) the differences in participant outcomes between an apprenticeship-model employment program and the comparison group. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess outcomes and experiences of participants in the apprenticeship model employment program (N = 22) and a community-based “Job Club” (N = 11). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Independent samples T-tests and paired samples T-tests were utilized to analyze within-group and between group differences. RESULTS: Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the apprenticeship model employment program suggest 6 major themes. Independent samples T-tests determined that the apprenticeship program participants were significantly less employed than the comparison group at pre-, then similarly employed as the comparison group at post-intervention. Within-group analyses determined that some aspects of participant confidence in their vocational skills and problem-solving skills significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, according to parent report. CONCLUSIONS: The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size.

Employer Practices for Customized Training for Onboarding of People With Disabilities

“…Apprenticeship often starts in teenager years and involves a combination of classroom-based learning and parttime paid employment while working under an experienced person in a specific profession (Bailey, 1993). Several studies from Australia and Canada demonstrated the capacity of this program to be successfully adapted to youth with disabilities by providing more staff and having support last longer (Dos Santos Rodrigues et al, 2013;Schwartzman, 2015). In sum, the apprenticeship model appears to be more effective than the comparison model in increasing employment statuses of individuals with developmental disabilities, as it provides individuals desperately in need of vocational experiences with hands-on practice in an understanding and accepting environment.…”

“…Additionally, an apprenticeship program was carried out to help individuals with developmental disabilities gain successful employment (Schwartzman, 2015). Although not all participants achieved successful employment outcomes, their vocational activities increased (Schwartzman, 2015). For example, they started from participating in volunteering activities to working for 10 hours in a sheltered vocational setting (Schwartzman, 2015).…”

“…Although not all participants achieved successful employment outcomes, their vocational activities increased (Schwartzman, 2015). For example, they started from participating in volunteering activities to working for 10 hours in a sheltered vocational setting (Schwartzman, 2015). This suggests that the apprenticeship program increased vocational status (Schwartzman, 2015).…”

“…For example, they started from participating in volunteering activities to working for 10 hours in a sheltered vocational setting (Schwartzman, 2015). This suggests that the apprenticeship program increased vocational status (Schwartzman, 2015).…”