Phase 1:
Recruiting Talent with Disabilities

Create an Inclusive & Accessible Apprenticeship Description

“For communication to be effective, it needs to appropriately address all audiences…Inclusive language acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equitable opportunities.” - University of Oregon

Most candidates discover apprenticeship opportunities online. If your apprenticeship program’s online recruiting practices are not accessible and your apprenticeship description does not clearly communicate your commitment to inclusion, qualified candidates with disabilities may disregard the opportunities your program has to offer.

Include Key Information:

Your program’s apprenticeship description may be the most important piece of collateral you develop. It’s the first point of entry for candidates to get to know what your program has to offer. The description should include the following information:

• Overview of position and tasks involved in the job
• Program’s commitment to inclusion and creating an accessible workplace
• Length of training and certification(s) apprentices receive
• Eligibility requirements, desired skills, and qualifications
• Wage and the potential for long-term employment (if applicable)
• How to apply

Visit the following links to see examples of how some employers and intermediaries describe their apprenticeship programs:

• Apprenti
• Cybersecurity Center for Business (CCB)
• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries

Ensure Content is Accessible & Inclusive:

In order to enable everyone, particularly people with disabilities, to view your apprenticeship description you must craft it using inclusive language and content that is accessible to all.

• Write in Plain Language: Write your apprenticeship description and connected application materials in plain language, which is content that is easy to read and understand. Plain language benefits all readers, including those who have cognitive disabilities. Learn more about using plain language to support eRecruiting.
• Use Inclusive Language: According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, content must be “free of words, phrases, or tones that demean, insult, or exclude people based on their membership within a certain group or because of a particular attribute.” Inclusive language “acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and promotes equitable opportunities.”

Communicate Your Commitment to Inclusion & Accessibility:

Adding content to your description that conveys your program’s commitment to inclusion and providing an accessible environment for all apprentices is essential. It ensures potential apprentices, particularly those with disabilities, understand you will work closely with them to support their unique needs throughout the apprenticeship process.

To learn more about how to convey your program’s commitment to supporting apprentices with disabilities, read this resource from EARN: “Expressing a Commitment to Disability Inclusion.”