With support from The James Kane Foundation, the VOICE (Value Opportunity Inspiration Collaboration Empowerment) project, run by Next Step Transitions, is helping autistic young people successfully transition from school to further or higher education, training, or employment.
The programme will support 20 autistic young people, providing personalised guidance to help them identify their strengths, explore career options, and build confidence in their future pathways. Support includes career exploration, assistance with UCAS applications, familiarisation visits to new learning or workplace environments, counselling where required, and guidance on student finance and Disability Support Allowance. Participants pursuing employment also receive support through the recruitment process and employer engagement.
During the first phase, the team has engaged with 11 schools, delivered its first skills workshop on digital communication, and supported three participants through UCAS, with university offers already being received. A fantastic initiative to support young people in their onward careers.