Skip to main content
neurodiversity support for students

Join our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme

Are you a first-time engineering student or apprentice, struggling to cope with the demands of your learning? It could be a sign you're neurodivergent. Access tailored, fully funded support through our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme, designed to help you thrive in your studies and reach your full potential.

You know what you're capable of.

So do we.

Like other aspiring engineers, you'll want to achieve the best results in your studies, so you can get a job and career you love.

But do you sometimes find yourself struggling with the day-to-day demands of student life, more than your peers?

Maybe you:

student smiling
  • find it difficult to organise yourself and get to classes or work on time
  • struggle to concentrate during lectures or seminars
  • find it hard to communicate with the people around you, so you miss out on important information that can help you learn better?

Of course, every aspiring engineer can experience these challenges from time to time.

Branded Photo Assets (600 × 600 Px) (7)

But if you notice you’re struggling most days, it could be a sign that you’re neurodivergent.

engineering student

We know through our conversations with neurodiverse students and apprentices that even though you might excel academically, it's the 'life stuff' we all have to do every day that can hold you back.

Things like organisation, time-management and communication might get in the way of achieving the results you want. Even though you know you're capable of doing really well in your studies.

By joining our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures (ENF) programme, you can access funding and support to help you get a diagnosis and manage these essential life skills better. Helping you kick-start your engineering career with confidence.

Ready to reach your full potential?

Unsupported neurodiverse students are more likely to drop out of their course than their peers

%

1 in 7 people worldwide are considered to have a neurodiverse condition

%

47% of students with autism were undiagnosed upon starting their studies

%

80% of people aged 18-24 in the UK have waited more than six months for an NHS autism assessment

Fully funded support tailored to you

neurodiverse student

Get a fast-tracked diagnosis

One of the biggest barriers to getting a neurodiverse diagnosis is long wait times, not to mention the cost of private assessments. We'll help you access a fully funded, fast-tracked diagnosis – so you can get the support you need, sooner.

Understand what a diagnosis means for you

Once you're diagnosed, you can access free counselling support to help you understand how to manage your condition. Helping you make the most of your strengths, whilst overcoming the challenges.

neurodiverse engineering student reading
neurodiverse engineering student receiving support

Access career support and mentoring

Take advantage of dedicated careers coaching from expert mentors. They will help you identify routes into engineering, understand the support available, and get your career off to the best start.

Mikaela Sanchez Branded

"Three months in, I noticed that I was really struggling to engage with my work. I felt sleepy and lethargic all the time, I couldn’t concentrate on anything and my attention was all over the place."

Learn how we helped Mikaela get a diagnosis for ADHD, so that she could pass her university placement and achieve her dream of becoming an engineer.

Interested in applying?

If you're a first-time engineering student or apprentice, or you support someone who is, get in touch with us today at [email protected] or +44 (0)7923 257087 for an informal chat about how you can benefit from the programme, and how to apply. If you're ready to fill in our application form, click here.

SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Sign up to our mailing list to receive expert advice to help you improve your financial, mental and physical wellbeing, so that you can live well every day. We'll also send you the latest news and updates, and information on how you can get involved with Foothold and support the engineering community.

An image showing someone's hands holding a mobile phone. The phone is displaying a version of the Foothold monthly newsletter.
A photograph of Mikaela. Mikaela has blonde hair, is wearing glasses and a red jumper, and is looking towards the camera.
"Three months in, I noticed that I was really struggling to engage with my work. I felt sleepy and lethargic all the time, I couldn’t concentrate on anything and my attention was all over the place." View story Read Mikaela’s story of getting diagnosed with ADHD
A photograph of Donat looking towards the camera with straight expression, against a black background.
"Back before the diagnosis, I knew I was struggling, but didn’t understand why. I had a conflict raging inside of me and it was tricky. I always felt I was ‘different’ in some way. Now, I feel relief. I have more compassion for myself, and feel I know myself better than I did before." View story Read Donat’s story of taking control of his studies through our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme
A close-up photograph of Brian, who is wearing glasses and looking towards the camera.
There are so many barriers for people like me – the cost of assessments and assistive technology are just one aspect. But getting the right support really can transform someone’s life, whether they’re at the beginning of their career or retired. View story Read Brian’s story of getting diagnosed with severe dyslexia