Queen’s University Belfast has joined a higher education employability programme, which aims to help autistic students and graduates into full-time work.
The Employ Autism Higher Education Network is a nationwide 18-month programme run by Santander, through Santander Universities UK, and the charity Ambitious about Autism.
It will enable autistic students and graduates studying at Queen’s to access paid internships and tailored careers support and advice, ensuring more autistic students and graduates have access to meaningful employment experience.
The initiative will also aim to ensure local businesses can benefit from neurodiverse talent within their workforces.
Careers and employability professionals at Queen’s will receive specialist training and support from Ambitious about Autism to work specifically with autistic students.
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Students will receive support to identify roles that match their skills and will be given help with the application and recruitment process.
Queen’s will also work with local employers to create opportunities for these students to take part in internships with autism-confident businesses, providing them with valuable ‘on the job’ experience in a supportive environment.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism said: “Autistic students and graduates are among our brightest talents and yet too many face a much more challenging path into long-term employment than their neurotypical peers.
“By joining our programme, Queen’s University Belfast will be at the forefront of the drive to increase the neurodiversity of the UK workforce and will also be helping to change the lives of autistic people.”
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Professor Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor at QUB commented: “At Queen’s we are committed to producing workplace-ready graduates and are delighted to be joining The Employ Autism Higher Education Network and playing our part in helping more autistic students and graduates achieve their potential and access full-time employment.
“We look forward to working with our students to match their talents to employers who can support their needs and allow them thrive in the workplace.”
Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said: “It’s great to see Santander leading by example by investing in the often untapped talent of autistic young people. Through innovative programmes like this, alongside the support that is available through government-funded programmes like Access to Work, we’re working together to unlock potential and remove barriers to employment.”
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For more information visit: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
