About the DXC Dandelion Program

The DXC Dandelion Program

First piloted in Adelaide in 2014, the DXC Dandelion Program is an initiative designed to build valuable information technology skills and careers for individuals on the autism spectrum. Combining the use of robotics with commercial IT industry teaching and methodology, the focus of the program is on building and developing technical, life and executive functioning skills.

People with autism have long been overlooked in the workplace. Over 80% of people with autism are unemployed or under-employed. About 1% of the world has autism. Nearly half of those diagnosed with autism have above-average intelligence. In addition, some people with autism possess skills such as excellent visual perception, as well as the ability to remain highly focused in certain situations, which make them excellent candidates for certain businesses and roles.

The DXC Dandelion Program hopes to reach that large population of potential employees and harness their skills, while providing a holistic employment experience that prepares them for future careers within the technology field. The Program is designed to provide high levels of support to employees, both from a technical and autism perspective, and to ensure that they are able to learn and grow as employees and as individuals.

The DXC Dandelion Program is not just about recruiting people with autism. The Program is reworking the organisational fabric of DXC to accept and integrate these individuals, and to prepare them for the workplace and for a career in information technology. By successfully integrating people with autism into the workforce, organisations can achieve the competitive advantage found with a neurodiverse workforce.

The DXC Dandelion program is also part of a research program being undertaken with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University.

“Charting the impact of employment on people on the autism spectrum within this unique program, as well as their families and coworkers, will be important in convincing other employers to offer similar opportunities to those with autism.”
Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, who is overseeing the research program.

Structure

A defining feature of the DXC Dandelion Program is the ‘pod’ structure used to manage DXC Dandelion teams on customer sites. Having this support structure in place allows for efficient management of the autism related needs of the DXC Dandelion team members. Below is an example model that has been tailored for a team in a testing role.

A diagram of a typical pod structure.

Support structure.

Three Year Progam Structure

The DXC Dandelion Program Plan is a three year structured roadmap of transformation initiatives based on business and IT priorities, effort, and learnings. It is intended as a plan of attack to improve the comfort and abilities of DXC Dandelion pod members in a number of key areas. This structure integrates feedback from the trainees, autism spectrum consultants, support employees, and evidence based research. Work experience programs are held to create a talent pool that can be drawn upon for DXC Dandelion pod positions.

Year one is focused on job awareness, comprising onboarding content, introduction into the role, internal training modules, and establishing a pipeline of work with stakeholders.

Year two progresses on from a job awareness focus to be concentrated on self advocacy, intending to cultivate independence and confidence. DXC Dandelion pod members complete certifications and training relevant to their role and keep a record of systems and projects worked on, to build a strong IT resume. ‘Self determination’ is developed, encouraging an understanding of one’s own strengths, weaknesses, preferences, learning styles, and needs.

Year three has a focus on transition, with pod members developing to be career ready. Members may transition out of the DXC Dandelion pod when ready, and numbers can be replenished through successful work experience program members. This year is about setting the trainee up to be capable of holding a career outside of the support structure.

Scale and Growth

Since the launch of the program, DXC Dandelion pods are now present on a number of customer sites across Australia, performing work in areas such as testing, analytics, IT operations, and cyber security.

Learn more about the DXC Dandelion Program

What to expect from the DXC Dandelion Program

Click here to learn more about what’s involved in the program

Click here for the DXC Dandelion Program 2016 Year in Review

Click here for the DXC Dandelion Program 2017 Year in Review

Click here for the DXC Dandelion Program 2018 Year in Review