Being Disability-Inclusive in the Workplace - New Guidance for Apprenticeship Employers Released by NAO and Ahead

Apprenticeships/24.04.2026

The National Apprenticeship Office and AHEAD are proud to announce the release of the new Being Disability-Inclusive in the Workplace: Guidance for Apprenticeship Employers guide, a new joint publication developed collaboratively by AHEAD and the National Apprenticeship Office.

This guidance is designed to support employers across Ireland to create more inclusive, accessible and supportive workplaces for disabled apprentices and other disabled employees, helping to remove barriers to recruitment, retention and progression within their organisations.

Drawing on research, lived experience and good practice, the guide provides clear, practical actions that employers can take to embed disability inclusion in their organisations.

About the Guidance

Ireland has a strong and growing apprenticeship system, yet disabled people remain significantly underrepresented. While 22% of the population identifies as having a disability, only a very small proportion of apprentices currently disclose a disability or access disability support.

This new guidance is one of several measures responding to that gap by offering:

• Key facts about disability in Ireland
• Insight into common barriers faced by disabled apprentices
• Ten practical steps employers can take to recruit disabled apprentices and other disabled employees and create workplaces where they can thrive
• Guidance on reasonable accommodations, workplace accessibility, handling disclosure and implementing supports
• Links to national resources and funding available to employers

Who Is This Guidance For?

This publication is relevant to:

• Apprenticeship employers across all sectors
• HR professionals and line managers
• Supervisors and mentors of apprentices
• Education and Training Boards
• Organisations supporting access to work and skills development

Whether you are new to disability inclusion or looking to strengthen existing practice, the guidance offers a clear path to progress.

Commenting at the launch Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills, Marian Harkin said:

“In my view the launch of these three programmes is really significant for the construction sector, enabling it to introduce construction education pathways in second level schools in order to help address skills shortages and support students in pursuing rewarding and successful careers.  It also prioritises mental health and well-being within the construction sector and the revised safe pass programme supports site workers to keep up with the evolution of modern construction methods in a safe and sustainable way.”

David Nevin, Manager Transformation and Development, National Apprenticeship Office with the National Apprenticeship Office welcomed the initiative:

“We are fully committed to promoting inclusion across the apprenticeship system to ensure learning opportunities are accessible to everyone. The new Guidance for Apprenticeship Employers publication is an important step towards achieving this goal. This guidance provides employers with concise, practical actions to support disabled apprentices, while strengthening the overall quality and inclusiveness of the apprenticeship system. Our collaboration with AHEAD reflects our commitment to identify and dismantle barriers for disabled people in accessing apprenticeships, so that we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable apprenticeship system for all.”

Dara Ryder, CEO of AHEAD added:

“Disabled people represent a hugely talented part of Ireland’s potential workforce, yet they continue to face barriers to accessing and progressing within apprenticeships and the wider world of work. This guidance aims to encourage employers to shift the focus away from perceived limitations of individuals and towards the conditions they can create to enable all apprentices to thrive. By taking practical, inclusive steps, employers can unlock talent, strengthen their workforce and contribute to a fairer apprenticeship."

Access the Guidance

View and download the Being Disability-Inclusive in the Workplace: Guidance for Apprenticeship Employers guide at apprenticeship.ie.