European Social Fund in England

A Step in the Right Direction

The 'Step Into Work' Programme is run by Prospects Employment Consultancy, part of the National Autistic Society. The £450k co-financed programme is funded via Jobcentre Plus using European Social Fund money under Measure 2.2.

Running between November 2005 and November 2007, it aims to provide 90 people with autism or Asperger's Syndrome with a period of work preparation and job search. It is hoped that 50% of starters on the course will move onto a work placement, 40% into training or other provision and 10% into paid employment.

The work placements are for two days a week over 6 months. They give clients an opportunity to practice the skills learnt on the course in a safe work environment and to build up experience to add to their CV and talk about in future interviews.

Step Into Work covers the West and North Yorkshire and Humber areas and currently provides the training at our main site in Leeds or at outreach in other venues, for example Bradford, Scunthorpe and York.

For Further Information Contact:

Carole Birtwhistle or Tina Carver, Prospects Employment Consultancy, Tel: (0113) 236 6767

Case Study

David Wells is looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to the skills he's learned on a six-month work placement at Yeadon-based Emsley's Farm and Visitors' Centre.

David joined the Farm team in July after completing a 15-week 'Step into Work' training course that aims to meet the needs of people with Asperger Syndrome and Autism who want to work. The first chore David was given on the farm was sweeping the yard area and the paths through the Visitor Centre. He now enjoys working with a variety of animals – especially his favourites, the Cockatiels - helping to feed, clean and care for them.

Andrew Emsley, the Centre's Manager, says: “David's a good employee. He's now taking on a range of duties and is keen to work more with the different animals at the centre”.

Tina Carver, David's Prospects Employment Consultant, supports him on his placement at Emsley's. “David did really well in the mock interviews we ran - he turned up looking really smart and gave excellent, clear and well thought out answers to the questions we'd put to him.”

Tina joined David on the farm for his induction day and meets him on site each week. “We review his progress and I help him complete the information needed for his City and Guilds qualification. Compiling the information for the portfolio helps to build a picture of the skills David is developing in the work place and helps him demonstrate his ability to communicate, manage his own time and perform a range of work tasks.”

David has already gained a BTEC in animal care, and is now thinking of returning to college to study Horticulture.