auticon Training Institute

auticon US, a leading employer of autistic adults in technology and provider of neuroinclusion services, is excited to announce the launch of the auticon Training Institute (ATI), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing autistic adults for technology careers. Building on auticon’s commitment to neurodiversity in tech, ATI’s tailored programs will empower autistic professionals to pursue careers in software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. ATI offers structured training pathways, certifications, internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities—all free of charge for the trainees. “Autistic individuals often have the ideal aptitudes and abilities for tech careers, but may lack the required technical skills or job experience to land their first role,” says Vance Checketts, CEO of auticon US and ATI Board President. “ATI exists to fill those gaps, creating a mutual benefit for autistic adults and companies seeking skilled tech talent. Our goal is to increase the supply of ready-to-work autistic technologists and ultimately decrease unemployment and underemployment within the autistic community.” Pluralsight was an early supporter, and ATI trainees will complete online training programs and receive credentials through Pluralsight’s platform. ATI's Board Members and Advisors include industry leaders across business, technology, investment, and autism services: Bob McCowan, MBA, Jeffrey Hunter, Jodi Donnelly, Michael Storz, John Kingdeski, Eric Olafson, Alison Andreozzi, and Evan Bierman, MBA. The first cohort of trainees has completed their training and started internships at Regeneron. ATI welcomes outreach from companies that are interested in providing technical internship opportunities for ATI trainees: https://buff.ly/4e59JON Please follow this page for updates--we look forward to sharing our progress in creating career pathways for autistic tech professionals! Read the full announcement: https://buff.ly/3YoktD7 Visit the ATI website: https://buff.ly/4fp5RJx

We're honored to have Jeffrey Hunter of UBS as an ATI Board Member! "Since becoming involved with auticon, I have experienced many ‘aha’ moments as I see progress in research, education, employment, and support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum," Jeff said. "By seeking donations and commitment from companies to hire, train and provide additional job opportunities, I aim to provide rewarding experiences to the autism community via the auticon Training Institute. Because everyone deserves an ‘aha’ moment." Jeff has been a Certified Financial Planner for nearly 20 years. He currently serves as Senior VP of Wealth Management at UBS, a position he has held for 16 years. Prior to joining UBS, Jeff held similar roles at Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo. Jeff is keenly aware of the many challenges that the autistic community faces through his involvement with the UBS Autism Roundtable event. Jeff is a staunch advocate of autism in the workplace programming and is involved in many community programs in Salt Lake City. We thank Jeff for lending his expertise and leadership to ATI's mission! #Nonprofit #TechTraining #AutismAtWork #Neurodiversity

We're thrilled to have Eric Olafson as an ATI advisor. Eric has a long history of supporting auticon as an investor and member of its global board, and brings to ATI his passion for technology, innovation, and solutions that support the autistic community. “ATI fills a critical gap in the neurodiverse employment landscape by providing autistic individuals with the skills and experience they need to start meaningful careers," Eric said. "I’ve spoken with so many families who struggle to find opportunities for their talented children, and this initiative gives them the chance to demonstrate their capabilities. This is just the beginning, and I believe ATI has the potential to scale and create lasting change in the industry.” Eric had a long career as a founder/CEO in the retail and commerce technology space with a company that ultimately became part of Salesforce in 2016. Eric “retired” from the tech world in early 2018 with an intentional focus on solutions for the autism and neurodiverse community in the areas of housing and care, employment, and technology and innovation. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Eric and his wife Jaye support multiple organizations that serve this community locally and globally. In addition to being an investor and member of the global board of auticon GmbH, Eric is a founding director of Multiple, a nonprofit early-stage accelerator for neuro-world technology and innovation. We thank Eric for his incredible support and vision, and look forward to working together to create more opportunities for autistic adults in tech! #AutismAtWork #AutismInvestment #SocialImpact #TechTraining

We're excited to introduce you to the tech, business & nonprofit leaders who are sharing their expertise as ATI advisors! Jodi Donnelly is an IT delivery leader at Nationwide, which has been a strong supporter of #NeurodiversityAtWork and a key partner in hiring autistic tech professionals through auticon. “At Nationwide, we have experienced the powerful contributions that autistic technologists make to our teams," Jodi says. "Our partnership with ATI is an exciting extension of our commitment to creating opportunities for neurodivergent talent. By equipping autistic individuals with critical skills and offering them real-world experiences, ATI helps bridge the gap between untapped talent and the opportunities that exist in companies across the U.S.” Jodi is uniquely positioned to help guide ATI in understanding the in-demand technical skills and the workplace training that is needed for a learner to flourish in a technical role. We're so glad to have her on the team! Read more about Nationwide's partnership with auticon: https://buff.ly/3RpWEFY Learn more about how your company can partner with ATI as an internship provider for autistic tech trainees: https://buff.ly/4e59JON #TechTraining #AutismAtWork #SocialImpact

Is your company looking to enhance its tech internship program and support diverse candidates? Partner with ATI to provide real-world experience for our talented autistic tech trainees! We offer screening, tailored training, job coaching, and neuroinclusion training for your teams. Together, we can build careers, strengthen your diversity and inclusion efforts, and reduce unemployment in the autistic community. Interested? Learn more and contact us here: https://buff.ly/4e59JON #TechTraining #TechInternships #AutismAtWork #NeurodiversityAtWork

ATI is in the news! Vance Checketts, our Board President and CEO of auticon US, wrote a guest post for TechBuzz News. It shares our mission, our amazing team, why it's so critical to build career opportunities for autistic adults, and how we're achieving that goal in the tech sector. Thank you Mark Tullis for this opportunity! #Nonprofit #SocialImpact #TechTraining #AutismAtWork