Leaving school and entering the big world of work can be a very daunting time, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. School may feel like a place of safety and familiarity so moving to something new can cause great anxiety.
We hope that this blog will help you if either you or someone you know is soon to be thinking about Post 16 options. There are many different options, we have outlined some of these below.
Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship?
Worcestershire Careers Hub says that it is ‘a type of job you can get from
the age of 16 where you work full-time for a company but are also trained at the same time’.
What level can I do?
| Name | Level | Education Level |
| Intermediate | 2 | 5 GCSEs |
| Advanced | 3 | 2 A Levels |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6 & 7 | Foundation Degree and above |
| Degree | 6 & 7 | Bachelor and Master Degree |
But I am autistic…
It can be rather worrying thinking about the world of work and how you can manage an apprenticeship but watch this video to get more information
There is lots of help avaliable to you if you have an EHCP during your apprenticeship
- You can extend the apprenticeship length so that you can complete the written work
- You may only need Entry Level 3 in Maths and English
- You can get an in-house mentor throughout their apprenticeship
- You can have reasonable adjustments to ensure your needs are met
- You may be able to access extra funding or financial help through Access 2 Work to use for travel, special equiptment etc
Find out more here
Supported Internship
What is a Supported Internship?
Worcester Careers Hub says that a Supported Internship is ‘a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach, with the aim of the young person moving into employment upon
completion’.
70% of time will be spent on the job, rotating around different roles so that you can get an idea of different opportunities avaliable.
Where can I do a Supported Internship?
DFN Project Search Young Adult Learning- based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Heart of Worcestershire College- Level 1 developing employment skills
Kidderminster College- Personalised work experience alongside Maths, English, Personal/ Social skills
Mencap- 420 hours of work experience alongside employment sessions
Warwickshire College Group- 6+ months of work experience and 1 day a week in college
But I’m autistic…
It can be rather worrying thinking about the world of work but Supported Internships have been specifically created to help people like you! Watch the video below for more information…
Find out more here
Finding Employment
Wanting to find work for yourself/ someone else with autism? We hope this interview will help you find help and advice in how to navigate the tricky world of employment.
Here our founder and Chair of Trustees, Simon MacCauley speaks to Amy from Autism Families about finding work for his son Jamie.
Read the interview here
