Background Labour is considered a vital activity for every human being, even for those with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the activities of the Association of Parents and Friends of Disabled People (Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais, APAE) in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in the preparation of people with intellectual disabilities, to characterize the apprentices inserted in these activities and to verify the workshops offered. Method The research was carried out in eight APAE units. Data were collected from January to July 2018, through the application of a questionnaire sent to the presidents of the participant APAE units. Results More than 2,300 people with disabilities, over 15 years of age, are currently enrolled in APAE units in the state of Goiás. Of these, 352 attend work preparation centers. The degree of functional impairment of these