The New South Wales Public Service Commission (NSW PSC) worked with Specialisterne on a Tailored Talent Program to attract the skills, talents and abilities of prospective jobseekers on the autism spectrum, who could contribute to a number of employment opportunities across several New South Wales Government agencies.
The NSW Government is a proud employer of a diverse range of people. It is committed to reflecting the diverse community it serves and creating an inclusive workplace for all people, where everyone feels valued.
Program nominated for NSW Premier’s award
The NSW PSC values the mutual benefits to both the incoming candidates sourced through the NSW PSC Tailored Talent Program and the valuable skills and abilities people on the autism spectrum can offer.
Specialisterne worked with various New South Wales Government agencies to source suitably skilled and motivated candidates to fill a number of roles predominantly across the IT sector but also within the STEM, Project Management and Finance space. Agencies included NSW Police, Greater Sydney Commission, Transport NSW, Sydney Trains and NSW Department of Customer Service. Out of 19 autistic jobseekers assessed, 14 have been placed to date.
The NSW PSC Tailored Talent program was nominated for the prestigious NSW Premier Award in 2020.
Every individual brings their own range of skills and perspectives to the workplace
What the hiring managers and candidates have to say:
The program is great. Enjoyed the process and meeting everyone. I would not use Autism as the reason why we need to hire. It should be based on skills and ability. Use the program as a foot in the door for groups who struggle to get good employment opportunities.”
“Most recently he [the new autistic employee] created a script which takes 30 seconds to do what took 3 hours before he joined us, truly wonderful!”
“I think that the NSW PSC employers were friendly and amazing people who are committed to hiring neurodiverse employees and believe we have the strengths to do the jobs regardless of our qualifications or experience.”
“I have not previously discussed my autism with prospective employers, this reduced the possibility of employment greatly, as I would have been perceived as aloof, and way too direct. When the employers were “educated” by the Specialisterne team, about what to expect from, and how to treat people with autism, this made the whole process far less daunting. There is no doubt in my mind, I would still be unemployed without Specialisterne.”
