Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, joined by staff and workers from Technology North. (Alberta Government)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Expanding opportunities

Province funds pilot program offering training and work experience to youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mar 16, 2023 | 4:58 PM

The Alberta government is providing nearly $500,000 to support youth living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for increased access to on-the-job-training and work experience.

The funds are to launch a pilot program that would offer training and work experience to youth living with ASD, which officials say will help prepare them for successful futures.

The provincial government has partnered with the Technology North Corporation, an Information Technology (IT) Services company located in Edmonton that promotes technology products aimed at connecting young adults affected by ASD and other disabilities.

“Alberta’s government is extremely proud to be supporting organizations that increase opportunities for everyone. Individuals with disabilities bring great value to Alberta’s economy and its success. We are glad to be partners with Technology North as they help set young Albertans on a path towards bright futures,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

Officials say the pilot project will help strengthen the province’s digital workforce with training in junior software testing, document digitization, and data management.

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“We are proud to be partnered with Alberta’s government in offering those afflicted with autism spectrum disorder with inclusive, meaningful, and sustainable employment. These programs are helping so many young individuals develop the self-confidence they need to enjoy successful futures,” said Ling Huang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Technology North.

The program is funded through grants from Alberta at Work, a three-year initiative that aims to support access to training and career development opportunities while helping Albertans re-enter the workforce. Officials say the funding is invested directly to help Albertans connect with and sustain employment.

“Working here with job coaches and teammates helped me develop my confidence. I felt productive and contributed to society,” said Brian Huang, Junior IT Technician at Technology North.

Interested Albertans will be able to sign up for the program through a combination of social media outreach and referrals from other service providers. The government says this will help connect Albertans with ASD to work and training that is relevant, interesting, and appropriate for them, while also supporting Alberta employers who are looking to recruit and retain staff.

The province says that to ensure the program is successful and to open up possibilities for long term employment, the eight-to-16 week course will pair clients with qualified mentors and job coaches to help make the most of the training.

The Alberta government says they are committed to working with service providers in communities across the province to improve access to employment supports for all Albertans, as everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed in the province.