Cardiff Hosts First Inclusive Jobs Fair for Neurodivergent Jobseekers

Over 240 jobseekers attended Cardiff’s first-ever inclusive jobs fair tailored specifically for neurodivergent individuals, marking a significant milestone in making employment opportunities more accessible. Hosted by Careers Wales at Cardiff Careers Centre in Churchill House, the event on January 29, 2025, was designed to connect neurodivergent individuals with inclusive employers and career support services.

The initiative was launched in response to growing concerns among neurodivergent jobseekers about the challenges of finding employers that accommodate their needs. The fair provided a welcoming and supportive environment for attendees, including those without a formal diagnosis, to explore career options and access expert guidance.

A diverse group of 25 employers, partner organisations, and training providers participated in the event, offering a broad range of career opportunities. Employers included BBC Wales, Transport for Wales, Digital Health and Care Wales, and HMRC, alongside support organisations such as Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru and Scope.

• Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru
• AP Cymru
• Scope
• Papyrus
• Cardiff Wellbeing team
• Into work
• 3SC
• Job centre Disability employment advisers
• C3SC
• Cardiff Museum
• iJungo Solutions
• Cyber Innovation Hub
• Unquiet Media
• BBC Wales
• Wecare Wales
• Digital Health and Care Wales
• Media Academy Cymru
• Transport for Wales
• HMRC
• Catch 22
• The King’s Trust
• ACT
• ITEC
• Llamau
• Cardiff and Vale College – ALN team

Attendees praised the fair for its inclusive and supportive atmosphere. One jobseeker remarked, “Looking for work when neurodivergent is daunting, so the fact there is an inclusive jobs fair is amazing.” Another participant expressed their hope for similar events in the future, reflecting the positive reception the fair received.

Careers advisers from Working Wales were present throughout the event, providing personalised employability support. Mike Keohane, Team Manager at Careers Wales, emphasised the importance of such initiatives. “We recognised a real need for an event like this. We wanted to create a space where neurodivergent jobseekers could connect with employers who understand and value their skills. Seeing so many attendees engage positively was fantastic, and we’re thrilled with the feedback.”

Employers also expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its value in connecting with a talented and often overlooked workforce. Cerys Cowan, Youth Engagement and Wellbeing Service Coordinator at Barnardo’s, noted, “My team was truly impressed with the inclusive jobs fair; it was a fantastic experience. We also brought along some young people who are neurodiverse, and they found the event to be incredibly beneficial.”

Following the overwhelming success of the fair, Careers Wales has announced plans to host similar inclusive jobs fairs in the future, ensuring ongoing support and opportunities for neurodivergent jobseekers across Wales.

For more information about Working Wales and the career support available, visit the Working Wales website, call 0800 028 4844, engage via webchat, or email workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales.