Pathways to Employment Research Webinar

Findings on Employment Barriers for Young people with autism

December 9, 2025 | 15:30 (CET) | 60 minutes | Zoom | English with live captions

[Register Now - Free, no participant limit]

Join the International Dissemination Webinar of the Pathways to Employment (PTE) project for evidence-based research findings from 6 European countries on employment barriers and opportunities for young persons on the autism spectrum. 

The agenda includes:

• Presentation of research findings
• Expert panel discussion with Q&A
• Networking opportunity with European stakeholders

Programme:Part 1: Research Findings Presentation

Key results from the PTE Research Report (PR2)

• 10 main employment barriers identified
• 6 key skills gapsInsights from 120 participants across Europe
• 10 best practices for labour market inclusion

Part 2: Panel Discussion

• Olav Helland - Employee on the autism spectrum (Norway)
• Nina Sønderberg - Director, European Health Future Forum & experienced youth worker
• Cláudia Varela - Social Inclusion Specialist, major Portuguese retail company

Who is it for and why attend:

Public institutions & policy makers:

• Data-driven insights from 6 EU countries to inform policy decisions
• Evidence aligned with EU Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030
• Recommendations for employment services and disability programmes
• Cross-country comparison of barriers and solutions

Autism associations & disability NGOs:

• Direct testimony from 60 young persons on the autism spectrum
• Tools for advocacy and programme development
• Network with European partners on similar initiatives
• Proven best practices for replication

Youth workers & career counselors:

• Practical understanding of the 6 key skills gaps
• Strategies that work in real-world settings
• Resources to better support young persons on the autism spectrum in job search
• Evidence to strengthen your approach

SME employers & HR managers:

• Understanding barriers from multiple perspectives
• Practical recommendations for inclusive recruitment
• Real examples from European companies
• Guidelines for creating inclusive work environments

Young persons on the autism spectrum (18-29) & families:

• Validation of experiences and challenges
• Overview of employer perspectives and needs
• Examples of successful pathways to employment 
• Information on upcoming training opportunities

Accessibility & Data Protection:

• Live captions available
• Recording accessible post-event
• All data handled in accordance with GDPR regulations
• Participant privacy and security ensured

The research:

6-country study (Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Ireland) examining employment barriers and opportunities for young people with autism. This forms the foundation for developing an evidence-based training curriculum.

Project: Pathways to Employment

Number: 2024-2-NO02-YOU-000287089

Funded by: Erasmus+ Programme

Consortium Partners: SPIR Oslo (Norway) | ASCAE Impresa Sociale (Italy) | Proportional Message (Portugal) | The Rural Hub CLG (Ireland) | Impact Hub Stockholm (Sweden) | Kogui Hub (Spain)