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Work experience,

TEacher

Hi all,

I am a teacher at a sixth form in the north of England. The students we have here are aged between 16 and 19. Currently there are only a very small number of students who suffer from autism who are able to gain any work experinence. This is something i would like to change does anyone here have any experince of getting students with austism on placements or know of any organisations who can help?

Thanks

  • Local charity shops have a wide variety of volunteers and in my area, I know of several people who may come under the same umbrella as the people you are trying to help with work experience.  My local Mind, RSPCA and Oxfam shops to name but three, all have people who have been or are being helped by carrying out work experience either in the shop or in the back rooms helping with all kinds of work.

    There are strict health and safety procedures in place and under 18s, I think, are not permitted to do the till work but can still view how till work operates.  there is proper training given and it is very enjoyable.

    Hope this helps.

  • Housing associations, local councils, large companies, non profit organisations are a few that I would consider approaching. A lot would depend on the subject and what is available to you locally.

    Something often over looked organisations like theatre, public galleries, museums often have outreach programs as part of their mission but often struggle even in London. All would have back office functions that are not always visible to the public.

    However just reaching out and asking may not be the best way of securing places. Long term it might be better to look at building relationships with potential placements organisaitons. Initially this can be time consuming but could potentially be more rewarding, as an enthusiastic contacts will promote what you do through word of mouth.

    Just a thought but would holding an open day/evening for such potential placement organisations be possible? It would be an opportunity show case the work they have been doing, possibly meeting some of the students and give the opportunity for them to ask questions or raise potential concerns. Even if you had no offers at the end you will get a good idea of what they see as the possitives and negatives of such placements which would allow you to start addressing the barriers from these students accessing the same opportunities as other students.

    I know many housing associations are possitive towards disabilities but finding the right person can be difficult. Seeing if there is a diversity or disability champion may be your best lead, as they will often know which managers to talk to.

  • I teach creative media, however i would be doing this across college so it could be for any subject as long as there is some experience of being in a work place.