Bridging the Gap: How Skillbridge is Transforming Support for Disabled Apprentices

We spoke to Chris Collier, Education Consultant at Skillbridge, about what inspired the service, the growing role of assistive technology, and the future of inclusive support for apprentices.

What Is Skillbridge Solutions?

Skillbridge Solutions was launched to address a growing need within the apprenticeship sector. While support for university students has become more structured thanks to initiatives like the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), apprentices have faced a patchy and inconsistent experience.

Support for apprentices can be a bit of a postcode lottery depending on what the training provider offers and their knowledge of neurodiversity and disability support, explains Chris.

To tackle this, Skillbridge offers end-to-end support services, including:

• Mandatory initial screenings for apprentices
• Needs assessments to determine the right support
• Provision of assistive technology (AT)
• Ongoing one-to-one coaching and wellbeing support

The team behind Skillbridge draws on years of experience delivering best practice in the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) sector, applying those standards to apprenticeships to ensure the bar remains high.

Tailoring Support for Neurodivergent Apprentices

One of Skillbridge’s key strengths is their commitment to high-quality, personalised support.

Unlike some sectors, the apprenticeship world doesn’t always require specific qualifications for one-to-one support roles. Skillbridge sets itself apart by ensuring that:

• All neurodiversity and wellbeing coaches meet the mandatory criteria to provide DSA-level support
• Coaches receive ongoing training in assistive technology to seamlessly integrate AT tools into their sessions
• Support is truly tailored to individual needs, addressing cognitive, emotional, and practical challenges in a joined-up way

We’re passionate about how one-to-one support and technology complement each other. Assistive technology is part of a long-term solution, not just a quick fix, says Chris.

Spotting Challenges Early: The Do-IT Neurodiversity Profiler+

An essential tool in Skillbridge’s toolkit is the Do-IT Neurodiversity Profiler+, an online platform developed by Professor Amanda Kirby.

This easy-to-use screening tool:

• Takes around 30 minutes to complete
• Highlights areas of cognitive difficulty or potential challenges
• Includes a wellbeing section to flag any mental health concerns
• Provides Department for Education-accepted evidence towards securing additional apprentice funding

It’s a brilliant way to pick up early on where extra support might be needed, so we can act before problems escalate, explains Chris.

How Assistive Technology Helps Apprentices Succeed

With research indicating that 1 in 4 apprentices may be neurodivergent, it’s clear that assistive technology has a huge role to play.

Skillbridge combines personal coaching with practical tools, providing apprentices with sustainable strategies they can use throughout their course and in the workplace.

Popular AT tools for apprentices include:

• Mind mapping software for organising thoughts and projects
• Speech-to-text tools for those with literacy or working memory difficulties
• Text-to-speech software to support reading comprehension
• Time management and focus apps to aid executive function

The one-to-one support complements the technology, and together they give apprentices the confidence and skills they need to succeed, says Chris.

Helping Training Providers Support Their Apprentices

Skillbridge works closely with training providers to improve their knowledge and capacity to support disabled and neurodivergent learners.

Their offer includes:

• Advice and guidance — even for providers not under contract
• Team training sessions on neurodiversity and disability support
• Practical resources and insights drawn from years of experience delivering training to universities, the NHS, and the private sector

We’re always happy to have a conversation. Our goal is to help apprentices thrive, whatever their background or needs, says Chris.

How AT Superstore Supports Skillbridge’s Mission

The partnership between Skillbridge and AT Superstore offers training providers easy access to a comprehensive range of assistive technology solutions.

Benefits for providers include:

• An online catalogue of AT tools, searchable by category (e.g. mind mapping, literacy support, time management)
• The ability to browse, compare, and consult with AT experts
• Flexible, browser-based solutions apprentices can use on their own devices
• Equipment options like laptops and tablets for apprentices without access to tech

AT Superstore gives us and our training providers more choice and flexibility. It’s great to have so many options in one place, Chris notes.

The Future of Assistive Technology in Apprenticeships

Looking ahead, Chris believes the sector is moving towards more inclusive, scalable support models.

I think we’ll start seeing licences and software packages available to all apprentices, with the flexibility to assign and reassign them easily, he predicts.

However, he’s quick to emphasise that individual needs assessments will remain crucial for learners requiring specific, tailored solutions — particularly when it comes to securing Department for Education funding.

Final Thoughts

Skillbridge is proving that with the right support, at the right time, and the right tools, apprentices of all abilities can thrive. By combining expert one-to-one support with assistive technology and early intervention, they’re setting new standards for inclusive apprenticeship provision.

At AT Superstore, we’re proud to partner with organisations like Skillbridge and help training providers discover the technology solutions that transform lives.

Explore our full range of assistive technology tools here or get in touch to chat about how we can support your learners.

About Skillbridge

Skillbridge offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for apprenticeship providers to support their apprentices. From initial screening for neurodivergence to detailed needs assessments that unlock additional funding, Skillbridge can provide an end-to-end service for additional learning support or can support existing provision in one or more of the areas above.
https://www.skillbridgesolutions.co.uk/