PageGroup conducts its first employability workshop for the National Autistic Society

Thursday 2 October 2014 – PageGroup, the specialist recruitment company, conducted its first employability workshop last week for leading UK autism charity, the National Autistic Society, at its largest consultancy office in London.
The full-day workshop involved 20 PageGroup consultants volunteering their time to provide interview tips and techniques to 17 National Autistic Society members.
The workshop offered members an insight into the corporate environment and discussed different types of interviews, work culture, CV writing, finding employment on social media and job boards, building presentation skills and goal setting. 
According to the National Autistic Society, only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full-time paid employment. 
Selina Fairclough, Corporate Partnerships Manager at The National Autistic Society reports:  
“There are around 700,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with autism and the large majority of adults with the condition are unable to find work. Many of our members would love to have a job but they lack the essential social and interview skills to secure one. 
“People with autism can thrive in a structured and well-organised environment and have numerous strengths which are advantageous to employers, such as excellent attention to detail and reliability. Attending an interactive workshop and receiving advice from recruitment professionals gives job seekers better insight into the recruitment process and the skills to make their ambitions a reality.
“We are exceptionally grateful to PageGroup for sharing their expertise with our members and giving them a chance to live a fuller life,” Selina said. 
Chris Bradberry, Talent Acquisition Manager at PageGroup, states the workshop was an excellent opportunity for consultants to leverage their recruitment and business skills beyond their ‘desk and headset’ and support the local community in doing so.
“The employability workshop was an excellent opportunity for PageGroup employees to utilise their recruitment expertise and lend a helping hand to people with autism who may find interviews particularly daunting. All the attendees were highly receptive to the advice and support offered and by the end of the day we could see their attitudes changing and their confidence building,” Chris said. 
PageGroup hopes to continue its partnership with the National Autistic Society and conduct more employability workshops throughout the UK in the near future. 
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Media Contact
Sophie Tudor, Communications Executive, PageGroup
E: sophietudor@michaelpage.com 
T: (+44) 203 077 8177
Notes to editors:
About PageGroup (www.page.com)
PageGroup (formerly known as Michael Page International) is one of the world`s best-known and well-respected professional recruitment consultancies. Established more than 38 years ago in the United Kingdom, we now span 155 offices in 36 countries. We are a leading provider of permanent, contract and temporary recruitment for clerical professionals, qualified professionals and executives.   
Through organic growth we have become FTSE 250 company with more than 5,337 employees globally. We operate a consultative approach to professional recruitment combining local know-how with global expertise, to find the best fit between client and candidate. 
About the National Autistic Society (http://www.autism.org.uk/)
  • Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
     
  • Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
     
  • The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families.  Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.
     
  • The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk