Abstract / Description
Accommodating persons with disabilities is an important step towards an inclusive skilled trades sector; lack of effective accommodation can introduce barriers to entry and retention for skilled trades. This research describes the prevalence of disability among apprentices, their perceptions of disability in apprenticeship, occupational health and safety (OHS) training knowledge, and recommendations for accommodations.
Data were collected through questionnaires with apprentices, gathering demographic information and measures such as OHS knowledge or skills. Analysis included descriptive statistics of disabilities and pain and injury profiles and Chi square tests comparing groups. Qualitative data was assessed via thematic analyses.
Of the 1,486 apprentices who completed the survey, 298 apprentices (20.1%) reported at least one disability. Apprentices with a disability reported significantly lower OHS knowledge or skills in 11 of 13 domains.
Apprentices with a disability were 2.01 (1.399, 2.871; p<0.001) times more likely to report a severe injury in the last 12 months. Apprentices with a disability were significantly more likely to report chronic and short-term pain.
Apprentices with and without a disability preferred hands-on-learning. Apprentices with a disability recommended accommodations that primarily fit into three themes: learning style, resources, and physical accommodations.
This paper provides an original analysis of the relationships between disability on skilled trades apprentices and their experience of OHS, including knowledge, pain, and injury.
OHS training accommodations should be implemented for apprentices with disabilities when needed, supporting educators and employers to provide inclusive OHS training, and promoting equitable and inclusive workforce entry.