CareTrade is an award-winning charity which provides opportunities to enable young autistic adults to successfully make the transition from education to employment with confidence and independence.
The charity runs a range of projects and programmes which focus on supporting autistic adults to become work ready and able to enter employment while continuing to get the support they need throughout their journey.
These include:
- The Autism Project (TAP). A full-time, two-year, employability programme for young people on the autistic spectrum, aged 18-25, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Managed by Care Trade in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and Whittington Health, TAP is designed for young people on the autistic spectrum who would like to be employed but need more confidence, support, experience and skills to help them become work ready. Students carry out their work placements in one of three hospital sites during year one. Year two focuses more on work readiness and giving students the option to gain experience outside of the hospitals in roles to match their interests and skills.
- The Aspire programme - a short employability course facilitated by CareTrade staff for autistic learners aged between 16 and 18. The programme can be delivered in schools, sixth form or colleges and typically runs for eight weeks. It encompasses a mixture of activities to suit different learning styles and includes sessions on travelling to work, skills for work, problem-solving in the workplace and the possible routes into employment.
- The Think Talent programme for aspiring solicitors with neurodiverse conditions, run by Barclay's Legal. A one-week work experience placement with the Barclays in-house legal team, and one-week work placement with a partner law firm.
- The School House Café - an accessible community café based in Bermondsey, South London which provides hospitality training and experience for young adults with autism.
- In work support for employees and employers.