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About the Event
Neurodivergent individuals frequently demonstrate skills and talents that surpass those of their neurotypical peers, often leveraging their strengths and applying them in practical learning pathways, such as apprenticeships. Research shows that neurodivergent individuals often opt for apprenticeship programs to support their development due to the characteristics and structure of these programs; the requirement for diverse thinking and skills; and the industries they cater to, such as engineering and technology.
If your organisation is currently engaged in the recruitment or development of apprentices, it is likely that you have an above-average number of neurodivergent candidates in your talent pool. In this panel session, we will hear from a number individuals about their experiences as neurodivergent apprentices, and how organisations can harness their talent for both individual and organisational success.
We will discuss the following aspects of apprenticeships during the session:
Recruitment processes for apprenticeships
The structure of apprenticeship programs
The role of a neurodiversity assessment for apprentices
Adjustments, support and their outcomes
There will be some time available for audience Q&A.
Please note, we use Slido in parts throughout our webinars to allow for audience participation. Our event host will provide clear instructions on how to participate, but there is absolutely no pressure to engage if you do not wish to. You will be able to access the Slido questions by using the camera on your phone to scan a QR code which the presenter will share with you, or by visiting www.slido.com and entering a code that the presenter will share with you.
Meet our event panellists:
Panel Chair | Mellissa O’Byrne
Consulting Business Psychologist at Lexxic
Mellissa O'Byrne MA (Hons) MSc GMBPsS, is a Consulting Business Psychologist within Lexxic. She works with organisations on various consultancy projects to support their journey towards neuroinclusion. Prior to this role, she spent five years within Lexxic supporting individuals on a 121 basis, through assessments, training, and coaching. Mellissa's other professional experience includes management, HR, and recruitment.
Nilmini Francis
Operational Resilience Manager at Aon
“I have dyslexia and dyscalculia which has been challenging in over 2 decades of working in Financial Services. I embarked upon a Data Apprenticeship with my company in November last year and am really excited to share this positive experience from the perspective of a mature learner.”
Lindsay McLoughlin
Programme Support Manager at NHS England
Lindsay has ten years of educational management experience, working firstly within the Higher Education sector and now supporting Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education at NHS England. Passionate about inclusivity and utilising her experiences of receiving a late ADHD diagnosis, she is currently managing an educational programme for clinical faculty and trainers, to increase awareness of neurodiversity and provide them with the knowledge to effectively support neurodivergent trainees.
Imogen Reeves
Engineering Degree Apprentice at JLR
“As a woman with ADHD, and with many neurodivergent friends and loved ones, I am a committed advocate for inclusivity in educational and professional environments. I have been involved in the founding of a neurodiversity-focused employee group at work and I hope to improve understanding and appreciation of all ND conditions, the benefits they can bring and the types of support that may help neurodivergent people thrive.”
Teyah Davis
Software Engineer (and Ex-Degree Apprentice) at Accenture
Teyah is a recently graduated Technology Degree Apprentice at Accenture. During the 3-year program, Teyah has piloted various Social Mobility programs which have reached over 1,700 students, she has won various awards including Tech100Women, she has published a paper entitled “Minding the Gap: Addressing Inaccessibility on the London Underground” with IEEE ITSC 2023, and she has supported Early Talent throughout her apprenticeship.