IT employment firm Xceptional eyeing Bathurst job seekers on the spectrum

Technology services firm Xceptional have worked closely with various state government departments to make multiple cyber security roles for people with autism in Bathurst and surrounds.

Xceptional chief growth officer Aron Mercer said the initiative is designed to help job seekers with autism secure meaningful employment.

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"Studies have found that neurodiverse individuals bring significant value to large multinational tech companies through their attention to detail, logic, spacial processing and accuracy," Mr Mercer said.

"We've also found that these individuals tend to stay in the job once employed and in some government departments, the turnover of employees with a disability is half the regular rate."

Mr Mercer said employees with autism tend to prefer working from home, which has become normal for most workers during COVID-19.

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"Around 92 per cent of our candidates prefer to work from home, at least part of the time, as they can be overwhelmed by mass gathering situations," he said.

"The candidates we have already placed are reporting increases in productivity during the COVID-19 situation."

In a change from the traditional job application process, Mr Mercer said Xceptional uses skills-based activities to assess their suitability for roles.

"For these Bathurst-based roles, we're looking for people with both self-taught and formal skills who have a keen interest in cyber security," he said.

"Most unemployed and underemployed people with autism want to work and while technology isn't the only industry they can thrive in, it's a key area of interest for them."

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One example of an employee already excelling in an IT field is David Googe, who works in a variety of roles at Vivability Bathurst, including reception, administration and tech support.

"I enjoy the challenge of digital-based work as it's an ever-changing field," Mr Googe said.

"Through the job, I've created an autism training pack to help staff members constructively work with people on the spectrum."

Applications for the position are due to close soon.

For more information, visit xceptional.io or email info@xceptional.io.