Employability Skills
Helping adults with learning disabilities take steps towards work at their own pace.
Chopsticks offers personalised employment support for adults with learning disabilities across North Yorkshire.
What We Do
Whether someone is trying something new, building confidence or exploring work for the first time, we’re here to support them every step of the way.
We focus on practical experience, confidence-building, and creating real opportunities that reflect each person’s strengths and interests.
Hands-On Work Experience
Members take part in real, purposeful jobs across our own workspaces
Producing kindling in our workshop
Building a variety of products in our Chopshed area
Upcycling furniture
Finishing and packing goods ready for sale
Producing a variety of one-off products in our art room
Gardening skills
Delivering goods to our customers out in the community
There are transferable skills built into every activity.
Confidence-Building & Life Skills
We support members to grow workplace skills like timekeeping, teamwork, following instructions and working independently, all at their own pace.
Coaching & Goal Setting
Everyone’s journey is different. We offer individual support with job goals, progress tracking and step-by-step planning.
Real Opportunities.
Real Impact.
Volunteering &
Employer
Placements
Michael joined Chopsticks with limited work experience but driven by a strong determination to secure paid employment. Through practical tasks in the workshop and encouragement from staff, he developed trust in his own abilities and discovered a real interest in hands-on work.
With support from Chopsticks, Michael secured a placement with Stevenson Forecourts who are based in Northallerton - a local business open to trying something new. He now has paid employment, enabling him to contribute to and be part of their team, learning new skills and feeling genuinely proud of his role.
Wherever possible, we partner with local employers to offer safe, meaningful placements and tasters — helping members gain experience and build confidence outside Chopsticks.
Our approach is based on real-life experience, not worksheets or simulated tasks.
We help people move into external opportunities and we assist employers by supporting them when taking the first steps working with someone with a disability and offering them continued support if required.
“Michael’s journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the chance to succeed — and when employers are open to seeing ability before barriers.”
Employers – could you offer a role?
Many employers don’t realise the skills and reliability that people with learning disabilities can bring to the workplace — until they do.
We’re here to make it easy for you to get involved. Whether you can offer:
A short-term work taster
A regular volunteer role
Or a longer-term supported placement
We’ll help match you with the right person, offer full support throughout, and work with you to shape a role that works for your team.
Contacts us →
Right for you or someone You know?
Our Employment Support programme is open to adults with learning disabilities who want to build skills, try something new, or take their first steps towards work — at whatever pace feels right.
We also welcome enquiries from:
Families and carers
Social workers and support providers
Schools, colleges or adult learning teams
We will always take the time to talk things through and tailor support to the individual.