DXC Dandelion Program: Career Development for People with Autism

About the program

Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often have outstanding visual thinking, accuracy and attention to detail. These skills are invaluable in the IT industry, especially in the fields of cybersecurity or data analytics. Launched in 2014, the DXC Dandelion program supports and develops the skills of neurodivergent individuals to help them secure long-term, fulfilling careers in IT.

• Unique selection and recruitment process
• Internship programs
• Organizational change programs (including workplace awareness training)
• Individual employment programs
• Comprehensive workplace support

Benefits of the program

• 92% retention of regular program participants
• 30-40% increase in productivity reported by customers
• 75% job satisfaction stated by neurodivergent people
• 100% of participating workplaces offer permanent positions to neurodivergent individuals after completing the program.
• 80% of colleagues say that the program does not add extra workload to their tasks.

The competitive advantages of workplaces indicate a competitive edge gained through the formation of a neurodivergent workforce.

Technological partnerships

As a leading global Fortune 500 technical services company with a global ecosystem of technology partners, neurodivergent individuals are provided with extensive educational opportunities and career growth prospects.

The influence of the program

• Organizations fill the gaps in IT skills and gain highly intelligent, dedicated, and innovative team members.
• Neurodivergent individuals secure fulfilling long-term careers in supportive and inclusive workplaces.
• More than 120 neurodivergent individuals are employed in Australia.
• More than $2.5 million has been invested in research on neurodiversity and mental health.
• More than 500 organizations use our open-source tools.
• More than 12 neurodiversity centers have been established in collaboration with universities and research partners.

Awards of the DXC Dandelion program

• 2020 iTnews Benchmark Awards: Project of the Year in the "Diversification" category
• 2019 NAB Supplier Awards: Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
• 2019 ACS Digital Disruptors Awards: Transformation of Team Skills
• 2019 ACS South Australian Young Professional of the Year
• 2019 ACS Digital Disruptors Awards: Young Professional of the Year - Golden Disruptor
• 2018 ISG ANZ Paragon Awards - category "Impact"
• 2017 Chief Minister's Award for Excellence and Inclusion in Business, Australian Capital Territory
• 2017 AAGE Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards: The Will Spensley Award
• 2017 AIIA iAwards South Australia: Public Services
• 2015 AIIA iAwards ACT: Inclusion and Community
• 2015 Autism Conference in the Asia-Pacific Region: Outstanding Services in the Autism Spectrum
• 2015 Amaze Community Awards: Excellence in Business Leadership