Supporting Autistic Employees Through Apprenticeships

Autistic people are significantly underrepresented in sustained employment, despite bringing valuable skills, insight and innovation to the workplace. Apprenticeships offer a powerful route into work, yet autistic students and employees often face additional barriers to recruitment, retention and progression.

This employer-focused event will explore how organisations can better attract, support and retain autistic employees through inclusive apprenticeship pathways and workplace practices.

You will hear from experts and lived-experience speakers who will share practical information about the challenges autistic individuals face and how employers can make realistic adjustments that benefit both people and performance.

What the session will include:

1. Introduction to Autism in the workplace – Susan Askew
2. Support for Autistic students and apprentices at DMU – Lee Atkinson, specialist autism mentor
3. Creating an inclusive culture: How to attract, recruit and retain autistic employees – Susan Askew
4. An overview of apprenticeships:– Helen Kennedy-Holleman
5. An autistic student’s experience – Eden Turner

Speakers:

Susan Askew, Autism Employment Consultant

Introduction to Autism in the Workplace and Creating an Inclusive Culture: How to Attract, Recruit and Retain Autistic Employees

Susan is an Autism Employment Consultant with 12 years’ prior experience at the National Autistic Society. She will share insights from her work supporting autistic people and employers, focusing on inclusive practices and workplace culture.

Lee Atkinson, Specialist Autism Mentor, De Montfort University

Support for Autistic Students and Apprentices at DMU
The team will outline DMU’s specialist, holistic approach to autism support, which has won a national award for its support for students.

Eden Turner, DMU Alumni

An autistic student’s experience
Eden will share their experience of navigating university life as an autistic student and their Minecraft Project to help autistic students settle into university.

Apprenticeships at DMU: Helen Kennedy-Holleman, Head of Higher Technical Education and Professional Skills

An overview of apprenticeships

Helen will explain how apprenticeships work, how they are funded and which apprenticeships are available at DMU

Who should attend:

• Employers and business leaders
• HR and EDI professionals
• Line managers supporting apprentices
• Organisations interested in an inclusive talent pipeline

The event will conclude with an optional guided tour by DMU Museum’s curator of Leicester Castle, a space seldom open to the public, offering a fascinating opportunity to explore the historic courtrooms and former cells.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

De Montfort University, The Castle, Castle View, Leicester, United Kingdom

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