Pioneering mentorship for young people who are Neurodiverse and Disabled
In our Neurodiversity and Disability Programme, we partner with community groups, youth organisations, and schools to work with young people who are Neurodiverse or Disabled. Neurodiverse and Disabled mentees can also apply independently to join this programme. Over the course of 3 months, these young people will have mentoring sessions led by business mentors from Career Accelerator’s partner companies to help them prepare for successful careers.
Applications are on a rolling basis and places are allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Everyone who completes this sign up form will be invited to an informal, friendly interview with Rebecca or Jhanay from Career Accelerator. Interviews will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
All your responses in this form are confidential and won’t be shared with anyone else.
If you have any questions about joining the programme feel free to book a call with Career Accelerator’s Head of Youth Programmes Manager Rebecca here.
Why our Neurodiversity & Disability Programme exists for young people
Only 52% of disabled people aged 16-64 were in employment.
ONS
16% of all pupils in the UK have identified Neurodiverse and Disabled in 2020/21.
Neurodiversity & Disability
Students with Neurodiversity and Disability are three times more likely to be Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).
MENCAP
Careers advice for young people with Neurodiversity and Disability can often be poor and lacking in aspiration.
DfE (2019)
Our mentees will work towards the following goals:
- Learn about relevant and aspirational career opportunities in the professional sectors.
- Make informed decisions about future education, training and employment based on personalised support.
- Build self-awareness and self-confidence to develop realistic and ambitious career goals.
- Feel more prepared when applying for education, training or employment opportunities.
- Develop interpersonal skills by working with professionals currently working in the professional sectors.
How our Neurodiversity & Disability Programme works
Promotion, application and interviews
Kick-Off Workshop
The first one-hour workshop focuses on the benefits of mentoring, the skills needed to be a great mentee and setting goals. This can be delivered virtually or in-person.
3 1-hour mentoring sessions
Young people have 3 one-hour virtual mentoring sessions with their mentor. We ask for some flexibility with timings so that they can be adjusted to meet mentor and mentee availability.
Reflection Workshop
The final one-hour workshop encourages young people to consider what they have learned from their mentor, reflect on their own engagement in the sessions, and plan what they will do in the future.
Alumni Network
All young people will have the opportunity to join our alumni network, or stay in touch with their mentors after the three sessions have finished.
The impact of our programme
Our latest post-programme survey results 2022.
%
90% of students in schools discussed work experience opportunities with their mentors.
%
80% of students in school discussed different options after year 11 with their mentor.
%
70% discussed CVs, cover letters and interviews.
Get involved
See where our mentees are now or sign up to be a mentee.
What our Mentees and Mentors say
What our mentees are saying
See all of our video testimonials.
Video Testimonial - Parineeta
Video Testimonial - Mohamed
Video Testimonial - William
Video Testimonial - Tanya
Video Testimonial - Charlotte
What our mentees are saying
See all of our video testimonials.
Video Testimonial - Parineeta
Some captured moments
From our events, workshops, assemblies and mentoring sessions.
The businesses and organisations we work with
