Find out about the importance of work/volunteering experience and how to find suitable opportunities.
Having identified which types of jobs you may enjoy and be good at, it is important that you gain work experience. Several research studies have found that having work experience and taking part in employment programmes organised by schools increase the chances of employment for people on the Autism Spectrum. In fact, in a recent research project carried out by the Solent Job Programme employers identified work or volunteering experience as one of the most valued factors.
Work experience not only builds your CV but it also allows you to explore whether the career or job you are considering is really ideal for you. Some people find when doing work experience that the job is not what they thought it was or that it requires skills which do not suit their strengths. So work experience is the perfect way to ensure a chosen job matches your preferences and skills but also helps to identify any training you may need. In a way, sometimes, it is easier to rule out careers prospects by trying them out.
However, paid work placements may be difficult to find. Initially, many people have to settle for unpaid or volunteer experience . Although not monetarily rewarding, volunteering does provide experience and demonstrates your level of motivation to employers.
There are a wide variety of ways to gain work experience and the best way to do it really depends upon your situation as well as what is available to you.
If you are still in secondary education your school is very likely to offer a work experience programme and support in searching for a placement that is ideal for you. Many schools have now career advisors with autism expertise, so they will have a good understanding of what your needs may be and which employers would be ideal for you. They also have very good links with local employers so they make the task much easier for you.
If you are no longer in education you can still access job placement programmes. Most local councils nowadays offer work experience programmes for a variety of groups, including those in the Autism Spectrum. There are also a myriad of initiatives by various organisations around the country that offer job experience programmes specific to autism.
You do not have to wait for opportunities to be advertised. You can start by letting friends and family know that you are looking for work experience. Alternatively, consider approaching organisations which are of interest to you. For instance, if you would like some gardening work experience you can look for local gardening companies and contact them directly. This may sound a bit daunting at first, but most employers welcome people who take the initiative, and the experience may lead to a permanent job someday.
When contacting them, you may want to consider doing the following: