DXC Technology Launches Dandelion Program’s Autism Work Experience Course at University of Queensland
News Release -- April 17, 2018
Neurodiversity Hub to Help Students Improve Employability
BRISBANE, Australia, 17 April 2018 - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, today announced the launch of the DXC Dandelion Program’s autism work experience course at the University of Queensland Neurodiversity Hub.
Since 2014, the DXC Dandelion Program has been successfully assisting people on the Autism Spectrum to build IT careers in partnership with the Australian Department of Defence, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, among others.
The goal of the DXC Dandelion Program’s autism work experience course is to provide higher education students who have autism the opportunity to gain technical work experience and improve their confidence and team-building skills, with the aim of increasing employability.
“The DXC Dandelion Program work experience course combines the use of robotics with commercial IT industry teaching methods to help students who are on the Autism Spectrum with educational and engagement development. Most importantly, the programme provides hope for children on the spectrum and an assurance for their families of the possibilities for their kids to build a career,” said Seelan Nayagam, managing director, DXC Australia and New Zealand.
The University of Queensland’s Student Employability Centre director, Dr Dino Willox, said, “The DXC Dandelion Program’s autism work experience course will help students with autism overcome roadblocks and showcase their skills. These internship opportunities will not only boost their confidence, but also connect them with employers and improve their employment potential after graduation.”
“The traditional recruitment process can be challenging for neurodiverse people; however, through work experience, these students will be able to develop and demonstrate their professional workplace skills. It is important for the University of Queensland to work in partnership with industry and employers to provide a range of opportunities that meet the needs of all of our students, enabling them to achieve their full potential through experiential as well as academic learning,” added Dr Willox.
About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (DXC: NYSE) is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, serving nearly 6,000 private and public-sector clients from a diverse array of industries across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network deliver transformative digital offerings and solutions that help clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. DXC Technology is recognised among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit dxc.technology.