As many as 10,000 young people with autism could gain work placements over the next two years, thanks to a sponsorship deal with telecoms company TalkTalk.
The move sees TalkTalk partnering with charity Ambitious about Autism to extend an employability programme to the North West of England.
More autistic young people will be able to take part in work placements, thanks to TalkTalk’s sponsorship
The nationwide Employ Autism scheme aims to prepare 10,000 autistic young people for work by 2022.
The programme will connect employers, educational institutions, local authorities, specialist agencies and young people.
Paid, meaningful work placements
Ambitious about Autism said the scheme will offer all participants paid, meaningful work placements.
It would also give them access to specialist careers advice and work experience to support their transition from education to employment.
TalkTalk itself will offer a number of placements across various functions over the summer.
According to a study in 2016 by the National Autistic Society, only 16 per cent of autistic adults were in full-time employment in the UK.
‘Untapped potential’
Jolanta Lasota, Ambitious about Autism’s chief executive, said: “Many autistic young people face bleak employment prospects – and yet we know these young people have so much to offer the workplace.”
TalkTalk has had a longstanding relationship with Ambitious about Autism and has raised £4 million for the charity since 2006.
Tristia Harrison, the company’s chief executive, said: “TalkTalk has always celebrated diversity and promoted inclusion in the workplace.
“We are proud to be partnering with Ambitious about Autism to enable thousands of autistic young adults reach full-time employment.”
Autism Exchange
Employ Autism builds on Autism Exchange, an employability model that Ambitious about Autism has been running in London. Autism Exchange offers careers advice and work experience for young people, alongside training for professionals in education and employment.
Employ Autism will be rolled out in six key cities, starting with Greater Manchester and Birmingham.
Click here to visit Employ Autism, and here to visit Autism Exchange.
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Published: 5 February 2020
