Through their ‘Tailored Talent’ program, Westpac created new pathways for autistic candidates to integrate into meaningful roles across their business, including Risk, Finance and IT.
Westpac in Sydney partnered with Specialisterne in 2017 to tap into neurodiverse talent. Twelve candidates were assessed over three weeks through Specialisterne’s tailored recruitment program consisting of onsite workshops, simulated work activities and practical work experiences. The program allowed Westpac to adapt their existing hiring process for people on the autism spectrum to create an opportunity to demonstrate and showcase their skills.
Read more about one of Westpac’s newest recruits from the Tailored Talent Program 2017
One of Westpac’s newest recruits, Todd Cefai, had almost lost count of the number of job interviews he’s been to since leaving university. The 24 year-old studied biology and genetics at the University of NSW, is a self-taught data analyst and adjudicates debating competitions in his spare time. But like many people on the autism spectrum, he’d been unable to land a full time job.
On the spectrum: neurodiversity brings edge
One of Westpac’s newest recruits, Todd Cefai, has lost count of the number of job interviews he’s been to since leaving university. The 24 year-old studied biology and genetics at the University of NSW, is a self-taught data analyst and adjudicates debating competitions in his spare time. But like many people on the autism spectrum, he’d been unable to land a full time job.
What the hiring managers have to say:
“You can get the best out of people when they are matched for a role. Traditional interview processes are a social process and they do not suit everyone (that also applies to neurotypical people as well).”
“It is a great way to introduce people to work that would not get past step one in a neurotypical hiring process. These are people who would not be in the workforce which would be a miss for the individual and the company that did not hire them”.
“I have found that the people through tailored talent to be really passionate about what they are good at and very willing to add value.”
“Automation of manual processes, has reduced error risk significantly and has saved many hours of work each month that can be redirected.”
WATCH:
Interview with Jess Freer of Westpac about the success of their Tailored Talent Program
“Our team have all benefited from having someone with a different way of thinking”.
Through their ‘Tailored Talent’ program, Westpac created new pathways for autistic candidates to integrate into meaningful roles across their business, including Risk, Finance and IT.
Good Pair: Neurodiversity meets Cybersecurity
Senior information security consultant Peter Howe met Lennon Cook almost a year ago after Lennon was selected for an internship following a recruitment process customised to meet the unique needs of people on the autism spectrum, introduced last year by Westpac in partnership with Specialisterne Australia.
Westpac optimises employment through Tailored Talent
Westpac Group has partnered with Specialisterne Australia to deliver it’s new Tailored Talent internship program. Designed to facilitate a heightened connection between Westpac’s recruitment needs and career opportunities for talented people on the autism spectrum, Westpac is already seeing the benefits.
What the candidates have to say:
“The organisers of the program and the hiring manager were able to look past my issues with interpersonal communication to see the value that I could add to the organisation.”
“I couldn’t get a job until the Tailored Talent program. Now, I feel motivated, driven and excited to work very hard. I feel an enormous sense of loyalty to Westpac.”
Through their ‘Tailored Talent’ program, Westpac created new pathways for autistic candidates to integrate into meaningful roles across their business, including Risk, Finance and IT.
