EmployAble is delighted to announce an enhanced three-part employment programme – beginning on 25 February 2026 – to support autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled people who want to work into work.
The programme will initially run from Work Avenue in Finchley and it is anticipated, over time, that it will expand to operate simultaneously in London, north west London and Hertfordshire.
This exciting new programme of support will help job seekers, who are autistic or have learning disabilities, develop confidence in the knowledge that they have the right skills, experience and, where necessary, ongoing support to both enter the working world and enjoy a lasting career.
It capitalises on everything we have learned in the 18 months since EmployAble was founded, a time in which we have actively worked with 50 candidates. More than 30 of those are currently in paid work and the quest to find the right match for all the rest continues.
EmployAble CEO Dr Beverley Jacobson said: “Every individual needs a purpose, to feel they count and have a sense of belonging. Over the past year, EmployAble has shown how easy it is to make this happen. Mix the right attitude, the right employer partners and the right support and the sparks of magic abound.”
The programme has three separate parts, listed below, and candidates can choose to partake in whatever suits their needs best, although, over the last year, individuals who participated in all the elements of this support, had more success in their jobs. We have introduced a candidate registration fee of £100 which gives full access to all the parts of the programme for as long as it is needed.
1) EmployAble’s Job-focused Empowerment (JEM) Programme: Eight weeks
Through eight group sessions which incorporate a Goals course and Employability Training, individuals are helped to define what success looks like, to acknowledge the barriers they face and create an action plan to effect change. This helps each individual understand their strengths and skills and capture these on a CV in an appropriate format, as well as identify where they will need support in work.
2) Search and Secure Programme: Six weeks
This is followed by six weeks of 1-2-1 sessions with an Employment Consultant to look for and apply for suitable job matches. During this period EmployAble works with employers to identify inclusive and accessible roles, arranges visits to different potential workplaces, finds work placement opportunities if appropriate, supports the interview process and once a job is found assists in applying for an Access to Work Grant to fund the in-work support that is needed. Beyond this, we will continue to support the individual for as long as it takes to find a job.
3) In-Work Support
Once the individual starts work, depending on their need which unlocks different degrees of Access to Work support, we will arrange in-work job coaching support to ensure the employer understands and makes adjustments for the individual’s needs, helps the individual with the induction and training to master all aspects of the role, and build positive relationships at work.
EmployAble CEO Dr Beverley Jacobson added: “My years of experience in the sector have shown me that with the right support, there is no ceiling to what autistic people and people with learning disabilities can and should achieve.
“I am indebted to the Maurice Hatter Foundation which has a rich legacy of providing the springboard for social change and aligns so strongly with this cause. With their support, we are gathering momentum to make meaningful change and I am immensely excited about the year ahead.”
To find out more or apply to join, please email info@employable.org.uk.
