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The Autism Project, CareTrade Charitable Trust

The Autism Project is a full time 2-year employment programme for young people on the autism spectrum who would like to work but need more confidence, support, skills, and experience.

All students follow our supported internship curriculum for their first term and typically, students will spend 3 terms (their first year) following this: they will learn within real work experience placements within either Guy’s & St. Thomas’ or Whittington hospitals four days a week, supported by work-place mentors and specialist job coaches. They will also attend class once a week, where they learn valuable employability and independent living skills. The objective is for young people to become ‘work-ready’.

Students progress to the year two curriculum once ‘work-ready’, typically in term 4, where the focus is on greater independence in the workplace (with a wider range of employers). Students are supported to develop their interview and communication skills and to actively seek and hopefully gain paid employment, a paid apprenticeship or further vocational training of choice. In year two students access weekly 1:1 job search sessions.

TAP staff use person centred planning and our aim is to help all students reach their individual goals as defined in their Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Throughout the course there is a high level of 1:1 support. Students also have access to weekly SaLT and Wellbeing sessions if needed.

In addition The Autism Project supports young people to improve their independent living skills, become involved in their community and take steps to stay healthy through enrichment activities and social groups that run across all CareTrade services. This includes travel training.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Judith Kerem
Contact Position
Development Director and TAP Lead
Telephone
07958610864
E-mail
judith.kerem@caretradeuk.org
Website
CareTrade website
Notes

This service is for adults aged 18-25 years old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition, living in London who want to work. They should have, or be in the process of being assessed for, and Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).

Where to go

Name
The Clarence Centre
Address
6 St Georges Circus
Southwark
London
Postcode
SE1 6FE
Notes

The nearest underground station is Elephant and Castle. The venue is fully accessible.

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (term time only)

Other Details

Costs

Details
A young person’s place is funded by their Local Authority (usually by Education but sometimes Social Services or a combination of these). This usually requires an EHCP to be in place or for an assessment to be in progress. Occasionally a student may be funded otherwise.

Availability

Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

We accept referrals from Local Authorities and directly from young people.
Applicants should complete a TAP application form and supply copies of documents as requested including a copy of a current EHCP where applicable. We hold informal interviews with all applicants (who meet our primary criteria) and all suitable applicants are invited to complete a half day assessment and DBS check.
All students are required to have an EHCP in place prior to starting. Any additional support needs should be discussed when applying to ensure the correct support is in place prior to starting.

Local Offer

Local Offer Age Bands
16-25 years
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