LSF - Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered - support when you need it the most.

What is LSF-funded support?

LSF (Learner Support Fund) funding is used to provide practical, non-academic support to help apprentices access their training and workplace more effectively. The focus is on removing barriers so you can fully engage with your apprenticeship and day-to-day learning.

Who is LSF support for?

LSF support may be available if you are an apprentice who:

Has a disability, long-term condition, or additional learning need
Is neurodivergent (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, or autism)
Needs practical adjustments, equipment, or strategies to support learning or work
Is struggling with access, organisation, or physical aspects of training

You do not need to be in a new programme, support can be put in place at any stage of your apprenticeship.

Do I need a diagnosis to access LSF support?

Not always. LSF support is based on how your needs affect your learning or training, rather than on formal diagnoses alone. The focus is on identifying practical barriers and putting reasonable support in place.

What kind of support can Onyx provide through LSF?

Onyx provides practical, learner-focused support, including:

Assistive technology
Dyslexia and learning-difference support
Neurodiversity strategies (ADHD, autism-friendly adjustments)
Organisation, prioritisation, and study/workflow tools
Physical, sensory, and mobility-related adjustments
Task analysis and reasonable adjustment planning

What happens during an LSF assessment?

The assessment is a supportive conversation that looks at:

Your apprenticeship role and training requirements
Any practical barriers you’re experiencing
What’s already working well and what isn’t
Reasonable adjustments and support strategies

The aim is to recommend support that fits your apprenticeship and learning environment.

What types of equipment or tools might be recommended?

Depending on your needs, this could include:

Specialist IT equipment
Assistive software (speech-to-text, text-to-speech)
Screen readers or magnification tools
Alternative keyboards, mice, or input devices
Organisation and workflow tools

All recommendations are tailored to your training and work setting.

How does neurodiversity support work?

Neurodiversity support focuses on making learning and work clearer and more accessible. This might include:

Dyslexia-friendly tools and strategies
ADHD planning and prioritisation support
Autism-friendly adjustments to communication or environment
Clear routines, structures, and expectations

Will my training provider or employer be involved?

Usually, yes, where appropriate. With your consent, Onyx may share summary information with:

Your training provider or learning provider
Your key worker, adviser, or programme lead
Your employer (if relevant to implementing adjustments)

This helps ensure support is put in place effectively.

Can LSF support help if my apprenticeship changes?

Yes. Support can be reviewed if:

Your role or training requirements change
Your programme progresses
Adjustments need updating

LSF support is flexible and can evolve with your apprenticeship.

How long does the process take?

Timescales can vary depending on your provider and funding arrangements, but Onyx aims to allocate your support worker within 48 hours.

What if I’m already receiving other support?

That’s okay. LSF support can work alongside other services, as long as there’s no duplication. The focus is on practical support that complements what you already receive.

How do I access LSF-funded support?

Usually, you can:

Speak to your training provider, key worker, or apprenticeship adviser, or
Be referred directly through your LSF funding route

Once funding is approved, Onyx can deliver the agreed support.

What makes Onyx’s LSF support different?

Practical, easy-to-understand support
20+ years experience, specialists supporting apprentices and learners
Focus on real-world learning and workplace needs
Clear communication with learners and providers