Written by Vance Checketts
As the CEO of Oticon US, a leading employer of autistic adults in technology and a provider of neuroinclusion services, I am pleased to announce that I have created a new company dedicated to preparing autistic adults for careers in technology. We are excited to share the launch of our non-profit organization, Oticon Training Institute (ATI). Building on Oticon’s commitment to neurodiversity in technology, ATI’s customized programs enable autism professionals to pursue careers in fields such as software engineering, data analysis, and cybersecurity. ATI offers structured training pathways, certifications, internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities, all at no cost to our trainees.
This work comes at a critical time, as many adults with autism remain unemployed or underemployed despite their potential to excel in the workforce. There are 5.4 million adults with autism in the United States. Up to 85% of college graduates are unemployed or underemployed. Meanwhile, the technology sector faces a severe skills shortage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to grow by 25% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This disconnect presents a unique opportunity for ATI to bridge the gap by equipping adults with autism with the technical skills and confidence they need to succeed in technical careers.
People with autism often have the aptitudes and abilities that make them ideal for technical jobs, but they may lack the technical skills or work experience needed to land their first role. there is. ATI exists to fill these gaps, creating mutual benefits for adults with autism and businesses seeking skilled technology talent. Our goal is to increase the supply of ready-to-work autism technicians and ultimately reduce unemployment and underemployment within the autism community.
Pluralsight One is committed to partnering with nonprofits and educators to close the technology skills gap and was an early supporter. ATI trainees complete an online training program and receive their credentials through Pluralsight’s platform. We are also grateful for the support of the Olafson Charitable Foundation and the Jeremy and Amy Hanks Foundation.
I am proud to have Utah’s investment leaders join ATI’s Board of Directors. Executives at Fortune 500 companies with proven commitment to hiring autistic talent and embracing neurodiversity. Leaders in Business, Technology and Autism Services:
Bob McCowan, SVP and CIO, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Jody Donnelly, Nationwide, IT Product Manager Jeff Hunter, Michael Stoltz, Senior Vice President, UBS Wealth Management and Private Wealth Advisors, Chapel Haven・Mr. Evan Biermann, President of Schleifer Center, John Kingdeschi, Financial Director, Auticon US, Mr. Allison Andreozzi (Advisor), Erik Olafsson (Advisor)
The first trainees have already completed their training and begun their internships at Regeneron. ATI welcomes support from companies interested in providing technical internships to ATI trainees. ATI partners have access to pre-screened talent who can be custom trained for technician roles, as well as job coaching and neuroinclusion training, creating a win-win situation for autistic technicians and their teams. is born.
We hope Utah employers will join us in supporting the career development of autistic technology professionals while experiencing the competitive advantages of neurodiverse teams. . Together, we can reduce unemployment and underemployment in the autism community while building a more inclusive technology workforce.
About the author
Vance Checketts is CEO of auticon US and chairman of the board of auticon Training Institute. Prior to joining Oticon in 2024, Vance served as COO at Built, a pioneering HR technology startup. Prior to joining Built, Vance held executive positions at a variety of start-up and well-known companies, including Oracle, EMC, and Dell Technologies. His contributions have earned him recognition including the Living Color Award from Utah Business, the Impact Award from the Women Tech Council, and the Silver Leadership Award from Junior Achievement. Vance actively participates in community and industry committees including Junior Achievement, the STEM Action Center, the Women Tech Council, and the Utah System of Higher Education’s Technology Initiative Advisory Board. He is passionate about technology, nature, and social impact. Vance holds a BA in International Business and an MBA from Brigham Young University.
About Oticon Training Institute
Oticon Training Institute (ATI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training and preparing adults with autism for technical careers. ATI is separate from, but closely affiliated with, Oticon US. ATI’s mission is to reduce unemployment and underemployment in the autism community by supporting highly skilled and confident individuals in technology roles. Through technical training, job coaching, internships, mentorship, and networking, ATI helps adults with autism succeed in careers where their abilities are valued. For more information or to join, please visit www.auticontraininginstitute.org.
About Oticon
Oticon, based in Sacramento with additional offices in Salt Lake City, is an award-winning social innovation company. As an autistic-majority company, we provide talent resources. We integrate technology consultants into client organizations to act as software developers, data analysts, QA engineers, and more. Clients experience first-hand how our exceptional autism experts open up and achieve their diversity goals.
Our model improves the economic and social context of the autism community by delivering quality careers, unlocking opportunities and empowering client organizations through practical neurodiversity training and advisory services. improve. Here, our employees build lifelong careers in technology, discover personal autonomy, and increase self-esteem.
For more information, please visit www.auticon.com/us.
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