Microsoft launches scheme to hire people with autism in the UK: Firm is looking for 10 autistic employees to boost its diversity

In a blog post announcing the update, the firm said: 'Today, Microsoft UK announced the rollout of a new pilot programme focused on hiring people with neurodiverse conditions, including Autism or Asperger's syndrome, for full-time UK based Microsoft positions.

'In the program, participants experience a unique interview process, where the "interview" is structured as a multi-week academy to help put job candidates at ease and allow them to more fully demonstrate their skills.'

The original scheme was run with support from Specialisterne and the announcement was made by Mary Ellen Smith, corporate vice president of worldwide operations. Ms Smith has a 19-year-old autistic son called Shawn.

Specialisterne is based in Denmark and the UK and specialises in recruiting people with autism across varies industries.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects how a person communicates, and relates to, other people. It can also affect how they make sense of the world around them.

People with autism typically have trouble communicating, looking people in the eye, and can get upset by loud noises or bright lights.

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition affects them in different ways.

Some people with autism, for example, are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need specialist support.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism and people with the syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence.

They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

'Microsoft's mission is to help everyone on the planet achieve more, and by everyone, we mean everyone,' said Michel Van der Bel, Microsoft's UK boss.

'One of the challenges facing the UK economy is building a skilled future workforce.

'We can achieve this aim much better if we have a wider appreciation of the skills that are out there.

'While each individual is different, many people with neurodiverse conditions have skills which include a strong ability to retain information and analyse data, as well as in-depth and detailed computational thinking skills.

'The possibilities of what we could create together are limitless.'

UK charity Papworth Trust is similarly working to improve employment prospects for people with autism, as well as other disablities.

Its Work Programme helps people with disabilities write CVs, prepare for interviews and find suitable roles.

And people can complete work-based training or qualifications at the centre to help them learn new skills, get work experience and find a job.

'Like any employee, each disabled person is a great asset when they're given chance to develop skills,' said the Cambridgeshire charity.

Microsoft boss Satya Nadella outlined Microsoft's three commitments to accessibility in December.

This includes being 'transparent and accountable about the accessibility of our products', embedding inclusive design and growing an 'inclusive culture' at Microsoft.

By hiring people of all abilities into Microsoft, he said the firm 'will build an employee base that reflects the external customer base where [more than] one billion have disabilities.'

More details about applying for the roles can be found on Microsoft's blog.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3465438/Microsoft-launches-autism-recruitment-scheme-UK-Firm-wants-hire-people-condition-boost-diversity.html#ixzz430uLIBsc
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