DXC Technology Launches the DXC Dandelion Programme in New Zealand

Builds on past success in helping people on the autism spectrum to establish IT careers
 

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 10 December 2018 – DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, has announced the launch of the DXC Dandelion Programme in New Zealand. The DXC Dandelion Programme has been successfully helping people on the autism spectrum across Australia to build technology careers by using their skills, while providing a holistic employment experience. 

“The launch of the DXC Dandelion Programme in New Zealand is critical given the constant evolution, change and demand for new talent in the IT industry,” said Seelan Nayagam, managing director, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand. “The programme not only assists people in developing technical skills, but also their executive functioning and life skills to help them achieve sustainable employment.”

The DXC Dandelion Programme today employs over 80 people in Australia and provides leading research on autism in the workplace. Over 240 organisations across 71 countries have now shown an interest in the DXC Dandelion Programme.

“Autism New Zealand is delighted to be working with DXC Technology on what, internationally, is already proven to be a successful programme,” said Dane Dougan, chief executive officer, Autism New Zealand. “It also expands on the work we currently do in assisting the autism community into suitable employment. The potential of this programme in New Zealand is exciting and we look forward to the future.”

DXC hosted its first Autism@Work executive forum in Auckland, New Zealand last Friday. To ensure the programme continues to gain momentum, DXC will also be holding Autism@Work summits and executive forums in New Zealand in conjunction with its partners to help advocate for the employment of people on the autism spectrum.

Since the pilot programme in Adelaide in 2015, DXC Dandelion Programme teams have been working with clients in areas such as software testing, analytics, IT operations and cyber security. Organisations are recognising the importance of integrating people with autism into the workforce and the competitive advantages that a neurodiverse workforce brings.

“This programme is unique because it addresses the problem of employment for people with an autism spectrum disorder, not simply by pushing harder the peg into the square hole, but instead by addressing the supports needed on both ends,” said Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, director, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.

The DXC Dandelion Programme is part of the DXC Social Impact Practice, which develops and runs programmes that benefit individuals and society in areas including neurodiversity, veterans, disability, indigenous employment and climate change. 

DXC Technology is recognised as one of the top 20 companies on CR Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens List 2018 and ranked in the 2018 Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America. Read DXC’s latest Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report to learn about the many ways the company is making a positive difference for people and communities worldwide.
 

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology 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.