#178: Dyslexia, Apprenticeships, and Inclusive Support with Laura Cook

from Dyslexia Explored · host Darius Namdaran

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Laura Cook, who left school at 18, discovered her dyslexia through support work at De Montfort University, and went on to build the Learning Support Centre, now providing specialist support to thousands of higher-education students and neurodivergent NHS trainees. Laura explains how neurodivergent needs often surface under workplace pressure, and introduces Skill Bridge, her newer venture offering end-to-end support for neurodivergent apprentices and employees, including screening, workplace needs assessments, strategy coaching, assistive technology, and training. The conversation explores differences between university and apprenticeship funding, how support is accessed via apprenticeship providers, the challenges of dual funding with Access to Work delays, and practical inclusive management steps like clear agendas, minutes, and effective training on tools.This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ Links: Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners Laura’s Linkedin: Laura Cook | LinkedInFor any inquiries, please email [email protected] Bridge website: https://www.skillbridgesolutions.co.uk/ Learning Support Centre website: The Learning Support Centre - Neurodivergent & Disability SpecialistsLearning Support ACA website: Home | Learning Support AcaBritish Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukSEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-supportDisabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia Digital catapult: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/ innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/ Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 9, 2026

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DISCOURSE “Discourse” is a show about telling stories that matter. Each season has a different focus, listed below the title, explored through audio storytelling. Episodes can vary from a narrator-centered monologue to an in-studio interview, to a long-form feature. Here at Mamaroneck High School, we are looking to tell stories. About people.What we have found, is our students have stories to share. And we want to arm them with the skills and platform to do so.Our show features students composing and mixing feature radio stories about the public and our community. All pieces are student-written and student-produced.

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