Digital accessibility apprentice

Are you interested in web design and do you want to help empower disabled people to become fully engaged within the community? This is a great opportunity to learn about the rapidly growing digital accessibility industry. Qualified and experienced digital accessibility specialists are sought after.

At Islington council we are committed to making our borough a more equal place. Islington Council believes everyone should have the same access to our services, regardless of disability and whatever their personal circumstances. It is our priority to ensure that all residents have the information they need about our services and can interact with our websites and documents in a way which they can perceive, understand and operate. For example, a video without captions cannot be understood by a deaf viewer, or a website that is incorrectly coded will not be read aloud meaningfully to a blind user using screen reading software. Our staff also need support using technology that helps them manage their disability such as text to speech software and voice recognition software.

Islington council offers a wide range of high-quality apprenticeships. Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job, with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You will also have access to a network of colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.

The Digital Accessibility Specialist Level 4 apprenticeship consists of a 32-month opportunity to learn and to provide support to the Digital Product and Services team. The Digital Product team is responsible for our websites and works with teams such as the Human Resources team to ensure that our staff have the equipment and support needed to do their jobs.

Your duties will include checking websites and documents to ensure that they are accessible for disabled people and supporting staff in using assistive technology. You will gain an understanding of the tasks performed by the teams and will work in a supported learning environment whilst working towards a nationally recognised Level 4 digital accessibility apprenticeship.

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
-Be aged 16 or above and
-Be an Islington resident or Islington care leaver or Islington school leaver in the last 12 months.

You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:
-Not already have a qualification at the similar level or above in this apprenticeship subject
-Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject
-Pass the course entry tests for example in Maths and English
-At least five GCSEs grades A* – C (9 – 4) including English and Maths
-Level 3 qualification - for example A Level, AS level, BTEC or equivalent in a technical/IT subject.
-If you have not finished your qualifications at the time of application, predicted grades are acceptable.

-Closing Date: 7th July 2024
-Interview Day: 19th and 22nd of July 2024
-Apprenticeship Start Date: To be confirmed

The Job - Working as a digital accessibility specialist apprentice for the council, you will be supported to undertake duties, including:
-Providing guidance to staff on the digital accessibility of websites, documents and digital accessibility standards.
-Test websites for digital accessibility issues using assistive technology such as screen reading and voice recognition software.
-Providing advice and support to staff on the use of assistive technology (for example text to speech, and magnification software). This will include creating training materials for our internal website.
-Assisting with the ordering and procurement of assistive technologies.
-Organising and facilitate end user testing with disabled user groups.
-Advising on digital accessibility issues when procuring new websites.
-Record keeping including storing, managing and sharing data securely in a compliant manner.
-Practice continuous self-learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development.

Training and Development – As part of your role you will:
-Complete a level 4 digital accessibility specialist apprenticeship qualification.
-Receive training, advice and guidance on document and website accessibility from the Council
-Study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent.
-Participate in the Councils apprenticeship network and various development activities.
-Have access to a buddy/mentor.