A Government taskforce has been launched to look at ways to help people with learning disabilities access apprenticeships.

Led by Paul Maynard MP, the committee will examine how to give an even wider group of people the chance to learn skills for a rewarding career in areas such as construction while taking home a wage.

It forms part of the Government’s efforts to create three million additional apprenticeships by the end of the decade.

Figures suggest that only 6% of people with learning difficulties are currently in employment.

It is hoped that opening up the world of apprenticeships will create even more training opportunities for this group.

Commenting on the new taskforce, Skills Minister Nick Boles said he hoped it would help more people benefit from the vocational training schemes.

“Our commitment to apprenticeships is giving people everywhere the chance to develop vital skills while working in a real job and being paid,” he said.

“This taskforce will focus on how apprenticeships can be more accessible to people with learning disabilities so everyone can be part of the apprenticeships success story.”

The taskforce has been set up by the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Department for Education.

Its members will meet three times throughout May and June, first to identify the areas of concern, then to focus on finding solutions before finally offering recommendations to ministers.

Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled People, said: “Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities for individuals to learn whilst they earn, developing the skills and knowledge they need to progress their careers in a wide variety of occupations and at a range of levels.”