The National Autistic Society’s recruitment service is piloting a new 28-week course entitled ‘Preparation for Employment’ to help adults with the condition move into work.
NAS surveys indicate that only 15% of autistic adults are currently in full-time employment, even though most are willing and able to work. Key barriers to finding and keeping a job include a lack of available autism-specific training, advice and practical support, but the aim of the PfE scheme is to get all participants into paid work in seven months.
David Perkins, manager of NAS’ recruitment service, Prospects, said: “We know that the vast majority of adults with autism in the UK want to work, but experience great difficulty in finding and staying in employment, often due to inadequate support and misunderstandings related to their condition. We are delighted to be able to run this course, which will help more people with autism fulfil their potential. With the right support, at the right time, people with autism can lead rewarding and fulfilling lives.”
The first six weeks of the programme will see participants undertake a series of group workshops and 1:1 sessions looking at the following:
- Disability awareness
- Occupational choice
- Social and communication skills
- Confidence-building
- Anxiety management
- Job-finding techniques
- Interview skills
In stage two of the initiative, Prospects will find and secure a suitable unpaid work experience placement for each individual. At the end of the course, they will assist and support them through the job search process and into employment.
PfE is a pilot project funded by the European Union‘s Leonardo programme and comes from Prospect’s participation in the EU-funded Skills Lab project along with a range of Belgian, Dutch and Portuguese autism partners.
