Supporting Autistic Employees Through Apprenticeships

Autistic people are significantly underrepresented in sustained employment, despite bringing valuable skills, insight and innovation to the workplace. Apprenticeships offer a powerful route into work, yet autistic students and employees often face additional barriers to recruitment, retention and progression.

This employer-focused event, delivered by De Montfort University as part of National Apprenticeship Week, will explore how organisations can better attract, support and retain autistic employees through inclusive apprenticeship pathways and workplace practices.

You will hear from experts and lived-experience speakers who will share practical information into what works, the challenges autistic individuals face, and how employers can make realistic adjustments that benefit both people and performance.

1. An overview of apprenticeships: what they are, how they work, DMU’s apprenticeship portfolio
2. Autism in the workplace
3. Support for Autistic students and apprentices at DMU
4. Creating an inclusive culture
5. An autistic student’s experience

Susan Askew, Autism Employment Consultant

Introduction to Autism in the Workplace and Creating an Inclusive Culture: How to Attract, Recruit and Retain Autistic Employees

Autism Employment Consultant with 12 years’ experience at the National Autistic Society
Susan will share insights from her work supporting autistic people and employers, focusing on inclusive practices and workplace culture.

Clare Squires, Disability Officer (Autism), De Montfort University
Support for Autistic Students and Apprentices at DMU
Clare will outline DMU’s specialist, holistic approach to autism support, which has contributed to an autistic student non-retention rate of just 6%, compared to a UK average of 36%. The session will highlight transition support, retention strategies and preparation for employment.

Eden Turner, DMU Alumni
Eden will share lived experience of navigating university as an autistic student

Apprenticeships at DMU, Helen Kennedy-Holleman, Head of Higher Technical Education and Professional Skills
This session will provide an overview of apprenticeships at DMU, and how inclusive approaches help keep autistic apprentices engaged and supported.

• Employers and business leaders
• HR and EDI professionals
• Line managers supporting apprentices
• Organisations interested in inclusive talent pipeline

The event will include lunch and an optional guided tour of Leicester Castle after lunch (2-3pm), led by the DMU Museum’s curator. This is a rarely accessible space, not usually open to the public, offering a fascinating opportunity to explore the historic courtrooms and former cells.

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Host or Publisher De Montfort University