| Background: |
Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. |
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Purpose:
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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. |
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Data collection and analysis:
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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. |
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Findings:
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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. |
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Conclusions:
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The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size. |