Final round of Nottinghamshire’s neurodivergent job-seeking programme launches after helping 85 per cent of participants move into work or training

Delivered by Nottinghamshire-based NeuroRocket CIC, the programme has already supported 39 people, with 100 per cent reporting increased confidence and 85 per cent moving into work, education, or training.

JobQuest is designed for autistic adults, whether diagnosed or self-identified. The FREE 12-week group programme helps people understand their strengths, navigate job applications, and build confidence in a space where they don’t have to mask or explain themselves.

Neurodivergent adults remain one of the most excluded groups in the UK labour market. According to last year’s Buckland Review, only 3-in-10 autistic adults are in employment, and many face barriers such as unclear expectations, inaccessible recruitment, and difficulty asking for support.

Kerry Malster, director of NeuroRocket CIC, said: “We started JobQuest because we kept meeting people who were skilled, motivated, and eager to work but facing avoidable barriers.

"What we see in every group is the shift from 'I'm alone and unseen' to 'I'm seen and I can'. The group connection is powerful because nobody has to pretend. Once you have that community around you, everything else becomes easier.”

Michelle Tempest-Mitchell, specialist coach and JobQuest course leader said: “Autistic adults are constantly undervalued and underestimated by employers.

"We create a welcoming group where autistic jobseekers can explore their rights, examine common miscommunications and misunderstandings, and build their skills, confidence and a peer network – all whilst being themselves.”

A recent participant from Nottingham said: “The programme helped me understand my strengths, build confidence, and learn what support I can ask for. Meeting other neurodivergent adults made the biggest difference.”

About the final cohort:

Start Date: Wednesday, 6 January, 2026

Time: 11.30am to 1pm (online, weekly)

Format:

● One introductory one-to-one coaching session

● 10 online group coaching sessions

● One follow-up one-to-one coaching session

● Optional in-person workshop in central Nottingham Cost: Free, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

Eligibility: Open to autistic adults not currently in employment and actively seeking work.

Priority will be given to people in or near Nottingham.

Register your interest here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jobquest-a-12-week-job-success-journey-for-autistic-adul ts-tickets-1952589681299?aff=erelexpmlt