Mixed methods analysis of an exploratory apprenticeship model employment program for young adults with developmental disabilities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated: (1) the vocational and support experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) the differences in participant outcomes between an apprenticeship-model employment program and the comparison group. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess outcomes and experiences of participants in the apprenticeship model employment program (N=22) and a community-based 'Job Club' (N=11). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Independent samples T-tests and paired samples T-tests were utilized to analyze within-group and between group differences. RESULTS: Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the apprenticeship model employment program suggest 6 major themes. Independent samples T-tests determined that the apprenticeship program participants were significantly less employed than the comparison group at pre-, then similarly employed as the comparison group at post-intervention. Within-group analyses determined that some aspects of participant confidence in their vocational skills and problem-solving skills significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, according to parent report. CONCLUSIONS: The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size. © 2021 - IOS Press. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

employment Apprenticeships developmental disabilities transition to adulthood

Index Keywords

Employment Skill adult female human male apprenticeship Article interpersonal communication interview workplace Thematic analysis Problem solving qualitative research vocation disability comparative study developmental disorder Entrepreneurship outcome assessment clinical article personal experience parent cohort analysis quantitative study emotion regulation exploratory behavior non profit organization

Author Affiliations

Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States

Funding & Acknowledgements

No funding information

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Mixed methods analysis of an exploratory apprenticeship model employment program for young adults with developmental disabilities

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