Orkney Employment Support

22/12/2025

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can be difficult for some autistic people. Click this link for tips, from the National Autistic Society, to help autistic people and their families over the festive period 👇
https://tinyurl.com/bdhhh6m8

17/11/2025

Our colleagues in the CLD Employability Team are running this workshop next week for anyone who needs help writing a CV.
However, if you are autistic, or have a learning disability, and need a bit more support to find work, get in touch with Stuart and Danny from the Employment Support team by emailing employmentsupport@orkney.gov.uk or calling us on 01856 873 535 Extension 3361

14/11/2025

13/11/2025

Stuart and Danny from the Employment Support Team will be on hand at this event if any employers or managers would like to discuss employing people with learning disabilities or autistic people

12/11/2025

Employment Support Showcase

Discover how to recruit, retain and grow your workforce at this free drop-in event from the Orkney Local Employability Partnership.

📅 Friday 14th November
🕘 9am - 3pm
📍 The Old Library, Laing Street, Kirkwall

Come along for expert advice, funding information, and support from local and national partners. Hear from guest speakers on topics including recruitment incentives, supported employment, and mentally healthy workplaces.

☕ Free refreshments and lunch provided

12/09/2025

Come along to our last FREE Come & Try session next week!

Inclusive session aimed at adults with additional support needs & their carers but open to anyone who would like a more flexible and accommodating session to try out some badminton - No previous experience required!

No need to sign up just come along - rackets & shuttles provided!

16/01/2025

Do you struggle with writing or communication?
The Learning Link is running a free course. It will take place every Wednesday for 10 weeks.
To book call 01856 879 200 or email thelearninglinkenquiries@orkney.gov.uk

15/11/2024

Christmas can be a challenging time for many of us. The National Autistic Society has put together a list of tips for the festive period which some autistic people may find useful

Our Christmas list of autism-friendly tips to support you and your family through the festive season.

17/09/2024

Danny and Stuart from the Employment Support team will be at this event along with dozens of employers, colleges and training providers.
If you would prefer to come along during a quieter time, there will be a quiet / relaxed session between 11.45am and 1pm. This is available for any young people or adults who prefer to attend when the event is less busy.
Between 12pm and 3pm, one-to-one meetings with our team in a confidential space will be available. These are open to people with learning disabilities or autism, and/or their parents or carers. If you would like to use this opportunity to speak to the team privately about the support they can offer, please book an appointment by emailing employmentsupport@orkney.gov.uk.
Otherwise come and see us at our stall!

06/09/2024

A new website was launched last week to help people looking for work in Orkney, find out what support is available to them. It was designed by people who use local employability services, including autistic people, and aims to to make it simple for everyone to see what help is available and how to get it.
Find out more about how it was developed here 👇
https://www.orkney.gov.uk/latest-news/jedi-s-cut-through-jargon-for-job-seekers-to-launch-new-employability-support-finder/
You can find the new website here 👇
https://olep.org/

07/06/2024

Free legal advice is available to people with learning disabilities in Scotland, including here in Orkney.
A Zoom meeting or phone call can be arranged by calling the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities on 0141 248 3733 📞

Do you or someone you know need legal advice?

Services Agency offer free legal advice for people with learning disabilities once a month.

The next session is:

📅 Monday 24 June

🕰️ Appointments between 11am–1pm

📧 To book email Lucy.G@scld.co.uk or call 0141 248 3733

31/05/2024

A new employability programme to help people develop the confidence and skills to progress towards work starts next week, and anyone who feels they would benefit can put their name forward to attend.

The Employability Programme will run for eight weeks every Thursday between 6 June and 25 July, 10am-12pm at The Hub. Sessions will be delivered by staff from Community Learning & Development Orkney and Skills Development Scotland.

During the programme, those attending will learn about:

• Volunteering and work experience and their benefits.
• Employer expectations
• Employer talks
• Personal skills and attributes
• Job searching
• CV’s, applications and covering letters
• Interview preparation
• Mock interviews with local employers

To be eligible to take part, you cannot be in employment, education or training.

Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in coming along, please contact Samantha Craigie at Skills Development Scotland for more information. She can be contacted at: Samantha.craigie@sds.co.uk