Employability

Creating opportunities for autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to enter the world of work.

Great minds don't think alike. They challenge each other to think differently. The people who teach you the most are the ones who share your principles, but not your thought processes.

Adam Grant

The Talkback Employment Journey

Our employability programme is designed to provide meaningful outcomes, offering detailed support at every step of a person’s employment journey, always helping them reach a destination that is right for them.

For some people, their aim will be a full-time job. For others, a part-time job or volunteer work will be what they want. And that’s fine. Our experience and work with autistic people and those with learning disabilities has taught us how to win opportunities for each person we work with.

My new job makes me feel like a completely different person.

Kay

The key reasons why employment matters

1

A sense of purpose

Having a job provides a sense of purpose and structure to a person’s daily life. This can significantly contribute to improving self-esteem and mental and physical well-being. It also reduces the likelihood of feelings of isolation and depression that some people may experience.

2

Social integration

Employment can facilitate social integration by offering people the opportunity to interact with co-workers, clients, and customers. Through these interactions, they can develop crucial social skills, build personal relationships, and foster a sense of belonging within their communities.

3

Skills development

Employment allows individuals to develop and refine a diverse set of skills, including communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills not only benefit them in the workplace but also in their personal lives, helping them navigate various situations and challenges.

4

Financial independence

Securing a job enables people to attain financial independence, providing them with the means to support themselves and their families. This financial stability can significantly enhance their sense of self-worth and empowerment.

5

Community contribution

By being employed, people actively contribute to society, showcasing their unique talents and abilities. This can help promote a more inclusive and diverse workforce, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity in the broader community.

Working provides me with a sense of purpose and achievement.

Harry

The three steps of our programme

1

Getting Work Ready

Confidence and team building
Professional working relationships and how to build them
Job Skills understanding
Employer visits to learn more about work environment and the skills needed to work
Travel training and how to use a range of public transport
Independent living skills, including cooking, managing a household and budgeting

2

Finding and securing a role

Supported internships
Career counselling and support services
Job club and skill development (including creating an impactful CV)
Creating and developing a LinkedIn profile
Effective job search and targeted applications
Interview and presentation techniques

3

Ongoing work support

Ongoing support and guidance from our job coaches
Helping people to navigate their roles
Building confidence
Help with accommodations and modifications
Fostering positive relationships with co-workers
Detailed supported integration

Case Study

Jayme's Story

After Jayme was diagnosed with Autism, he attended our weekly job club which assisted him with the practical tools needed to succeed in job searching and preparation for the world of work. He successfully completed a mock interview with our HR manager and CEO in November 2019.

In January 2020 Jayme engaged in 1:1 sessions which further developed his skills in communication, literacy, and interview preparation. He also undertook various courses including Mental Health Awareness Level 2, Mental Health First Aid, and Emergency at Work First Aid. At the same time, he participated in a group job club and continued to learn and develop his skills and knowledge in the following areas: disclosure, salaries, job applications, personal statements, CV’s, live job applications, interview prep and guidance.

With support from his job coach, he applied and prepared for a Safety Steward role at MK Dons. He was successful and was thrilled that all his hard work in preparation had paid off.

What we achieved in 2023

Case Study

Julia's Story

We’ve been working with Julia for over a year, to get her work ready and support her in a role. She had previously had a couple of voluntary roles, but never a paid job.

At our first meeting, she told us she was particularly interested in working or volunteering in a care home. Well, now she is.

We have worked closely with Chartwell Manor Care Home in Aylesbury, who were so impressed with Julia that they created a bespoke ‘General Assistant’ position for her. Julia’s role predominately focuses on helping to run activities for the residents, as well as assisting with laundry and catering.

She began her job doing 8 hours a week (2 shifts of 4 hours) and there are already plans to increase this to 16 hours per week (4 shifts of 4 hours) in coming months.

Our learning disability and autism employability brochure

If you’d like to find out more about how we help people with learning disabilities gain employment and the service we provide then you can downland our brochure below.

Employability

Employability

Creating opportunities for autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities to enter the world of work.

The Talkback Employment Journey

The key reasons why employment matters