ECC: Internship for young adults with autism

Opening routes to recruitment: Supportive Internship for young adults on the autism spectrum

#employment for everyone

Essex County Council are offering a supportive Internship Scheme for young adults on the autism spectrum. The very first of its kind in local government, it offers young people on the autism spectrum an eight-week paid work placement and afterwards supports them to apply for a permanent role where suitable roles exist.

It’s an exciting and unique collaboration with Ambitious about Autism, Genius Within and Whitehall, each well-versed in helping support employees on the autistic spectrum into work. The scheme offers interns paid work experience, a dedicated buddy, career coaching as well as careers support after the work placement. Uniquely, it also has a strong focus on building hiring manager capability; not only their knowledge about autism and related conditions, but also their coaching skills; unlocking the interns potential and that of the rest of their team.

The supportive internship has been developed by Sharon Loivette, Talent Solutions Manager (Capita People Solutions), drawing on research and best practice in the private and charity sectors. It’s been embraced by the Chief Executive Gavin Jones, who recognised the scheme as part of his ‘Gavin’s Den’ initiative, designed to support innovation within the Council. It’s anticipated that Essex County Council will benefit hugely from widening its talent pool.