Developed by sportscotland, in partnership with Enable Works, this innovative three-year programme supports disabled young individuals to gain both qualifications and paid work experience in the sport sector, with each job lasting 18 months. Designed to benefit both apprentices and employers, the programme provides comprehensive support and training to help young people integrate into the workforce, while simultaneously equipping employers to foster inclusive environments.
Over the course of the 3-year programme, sportscotland is investing around £750k that will support the modern apprentice salary, training for the employers, and mentoring support, for both young people and employers. The aim of the Supported MA programme is to directly engage with participating organisations, demonstrating the positive impact of inclusive recruitment and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices, and to showcase the benefits to the wider sports industry.
In year one, seven apprentices and seven employers participated, including South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Rowing and Scottish Disability Sport: with plans for similar numbers of new apprentices and employers to complete the programme over the next two years. The long-term legacy of the programme is to enhance disability inclusion within participating organisations, diversify the sporting workforce, and create a model of sustained support and inclusivity.
The need for the Supported Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme in the sports sector is underscored by significant gaps in disability inclusion and representation. Disabled people are severely underrepresented within sporting organisations, with statistics showing that only a small percentage of the workforce across the UK sports sector includes disabled individuals.
One of the programme’s most impactful aspects has been the targeted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training provided to employers. Covering topics such as neurodiversity awareness, inclusive recruitment, and disability awareness, these sessions have equipped employers with the knowledge and confidence to create supportive environments. The programme’s innovative approach enables employers to directly apply their learning, building a legacy of inclusion and paving the way for sustainable diversity within sports.
William Moncrieff, from Tulloch, in the Scottish Highlands joined Scottish Disability Sport in October 2023 as a Communications Apprentice. He brought with him a degree in Sports Management, completed after adapting to a severe visual impairment he developed in 2019. The sportscotland and Enable programme has given him the opportunity to continue exploring his career options while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment. Throughout his time with Scottish Disability Sport, William focused on research and information collation for the communications team and was even given the opportunity to represent the organisation at the Europe in Action Conference, sharing his story with stakeholders from across Europe.
Sharing what he has gained from this programme William, said “The apprenticeship has been transformative. I now feel confident navigating tasks independently, and I’ve learned how to communicate effectively within a team environment. The programme has been incredibly impactful, allowing me to gain skills in a structured and supportive way. Presenting at the Europe in Action Conference was a milestone, and the support to navigate the workspace and develop my communication abilities has been transformative.”
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: "Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the centre of everything we do as the national agency for sport. The partnership we have developed with Enable Works with the Modern Apprentice programme has been fantastic and we are excited with the incredible work that has gone on over the past year to improve opportunities to work across our sporting sector.
We see this as another important step in our ambition to have a diverse workforce that represents the communities and people we want engaged in sport for life.”
Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Briony Williamson, said “The first year of the Supported Modern Apprenticeship programme has been nothing short of transformative. We have seen young disabled apprentices grow in confidence, develop new skills, and take meaningful steps toward their careers.
Equally, we have witnessed a shift in mindset among employers—who now not only see the value of an inclusive workforce but are actively championing it. This programme is more than an opportunity; it is a catalyst for lasting change, demonstrating the power, impact, and necessity of diversification in the sporting sector.”
