Summary
To help young people with autistic spectrum conditions access Modern Apprenticeships, the HSCP’s Supported Employment Service is providing participants with dedicated job coaches to support them through a work placement programme, and deliver job skills training.
Making A Difference
As the programme is in the early stages, we don’t currently have any performance data or case studies to share. After it has launched and run for a full cycle, we aim to update this section and share the story of a participant, their journey through the service, and how it has helped them.
Alongside those with learning disabilities, people with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) are among those most excluded from the labour market. Data published by the Office of National Statistics in Feb 2021 showed that only 22% of autistic adults were in employment of any kind.
In order to ease their difficult transition into employment, Glasgow City Council (GCC) has teamed up with the HSCP’s Supported Employment Service (SES) to deliver a programme which aims to increase the number of young people with autistic spectrum conditions accessing and sustaining Modern Apprenticeship (MA) positions in Glasgow. The programme is targeted toward those who are almost ready to enter employment, but who may need some extra support and training to help them on their way.
Initially SES provides participants with a dedicated job coach, who will work with them and others who know them to build a personalised vocational profile, which covers their skills, abilities, aspirations, and specific support needs. Following this, the coach will work with partner departments at GCC to try and identify the perfect work placement for each individual – and in the meantime will help the participant access any benefits advice and provide pre-placement training.
Placements last between 18-30 weeks, and once the right one has been identified, the job coach will help participants learn new tasks, settle into the workplace, introduce them to a buddy in the department, and continue to liaise with both the participant and host department to make sure everything runs smoothly.
By providing a supported work experience programme, young people with ASC will have the opportunity to experience work, increase their skills and knowledge, and be able to apply for Modern Apprenticeships. Alongside the experience gained from the placement, participants will also be provided coaching on how to job hunt, creating CVs and filling in job applications, and interview technique. Once an appropriate Modern Apprenticeship becomes available, participants will be further supported in making their application.
Looking beyond the individual participants, the project will also provide a greater understanding of what its like to work with people who have autism across the GCC departments participating, hopefully improving their chances of securing potential future vacancies.
The programme is for young people aged between 16 -24 years who live within the Glasgow City Council geographic boundary. Applicants must make a commitment to the programme, be willing to travel independently, sustain excellent attendance on placement and be educated to SCQF 4 (Nat 4) English or Core Skills level 4. Participants will receive out of pocket expenses to cover travel and lunch money.
If any young person is progressing well and a suitable Modern Apprenticeship (MA) is advertised, they will be supported to apply before completion of their placement if they wish to do so. For those who do not secure an apprenticeship, ongoing support will be provided by Glasgow Supported Employment Service.
For more information, contact the service directly at: supportedemployment@glasgow.gov.uk.
