Autistic Teens and adults
face distinct challenges in finding work and pursuing career goals.

Reported rates of employment for Autistic adults range from 11 – 50%. Those who are employed are often under-employed or work in menial positions.

In January 2018, the Centre for Autism Services Alberta expanded its delivery of employment programs, offering the EmploymentWorks (EW) program to individuals ages 15 – 64 with a disability (not limited to but including autism), or to those who identify as such. The EW program provides all the tools and steps necessary to build employment skills, find areas of interest, and seek and maintain meaningful employment. EmploymentWorks offers resume and interview skills, workplace training and mentorship, and employment support to find and keep a job. This incredible program is offered to youth and adults who are interested in entering the job market.

 

 

Did You Know?

79% of Canadians are employed
49% of Canadians with disabilities are employed
Only 11% of Autistic Canadians are employed

EmploymentWorks is the perfect way to start!

Designed with you in mind!

EmploymentWorks is designed for those wanting to develop the essential skills necessary to seek, obtain, and keep meaningful and sustainable paid employment. It is a peer/co-worker-supported program and uses adult learning principles to focus on social, communication, and job skills development in a variety of workplace settings and teams.

Program Breakdown
This program is now 1 year in length
Months 1-3: Structured Learning and On-Site Work Experience
Months 4-6: Supported transition from weekly programming to active job-seeking and employment

Months 6-12: Keeping work with on-the-job support

Eligibility Requirements for EmploymentWorks

  • Age 15 – 64
  • Average or near-average academic skills
  • Motivated to seek paid employment
  • Must have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • Have autism and/or another disability, or identify as such

“You have nothing to lose by trying this program, and you have the chance to gain something. Go for it!” – Edmond, EmploymentWorks participant.


ENROLLMENT FOR THIS PROGRAM IS ONGOING


EmploymentWorks is now being offered in High Schools!

EmploymentWorks is now offering programming for high school students at J Percy Page High School in Edmonton.

In order to take part, you are:

  • 15 years or older
  • In high school
  • Identify as having a disability
  • Motivated to find a job

 

EmploymentWorks for High School students offers our EW programming adapted for learners ages 15-18 who are still in high school!

  • Apply directly with your student advisor/counselor!

 

Summer Intensive 

EmploymentWorks summer program is condensed and allows you to complete the 3-month in-class learning and job sampling portion of the program in just 4 weeks. Participants must be able to commit to a schedule of 4 weeks, 5 days per week, 3 hours per day. After you finish the 4 weeks, you will be able to get support with ongoing job club and job coaching.  

This condensed summer course has been specifically designed for high school students who are in school, just out of school, or are interested in completing the program over a shorter period of time.  

 

 

Learn more about our programs:

 

For more information or to apply, please contact
employmentworks@centreforautismab.ca

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities program