Targeting an Untapped, Highly Skilled Talent Pool

We believe that doing good, is good business and this is extends to helping people of all backgrounds become part of the cybersecurity and high-tech industry. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are creating a qualified and diverse talent pool to support the fast-growing cyber security industry, empowering women, people of color, veterans and underserved populations to succeed in their careers. This means working to ensure no group of individuals is left behind.

Estimates show that one percent of our global population have autism spectrum disorder[1] and this extends across socioeconomic, cultural and regional borders. While extremely talented, this group of individuals are often under-represented by traditional hiring practices, however advocates for those with autism are looking to change this.

Recently announced by Symantec nonprofit partner Goodwill, the organization’s Expandability program will receive $50,000 in funding to expand access to its Autism Advantage Program, increasing accessibility to high-tech jobs for people on the autism spectrum. Expandability’s Autism Advantage program provides real-world training to candidates on the autism spectrum while also training hiring managers themselves to raise awareness of this often untapped, highly skilled talent pool.

“Symantec is sponsoring this innovative initiative as a way to recognize that equity comes in many forms. The Expandability program will provide crucial access to high-tech jobs for a group of tremendously skilled people within our community, who are often under-represented by traditional hiring practices.”

- Cecily Joseph, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Symantec.

In honor of World Autism Month, we are proud to announce this partnership that will create life-changing opportunities for future high-tech professionals. You can access the full announcement on Goodwill’s blog here.