Individuals with Autism Can Get Work Experience at Ford Through New FordInclusiveWorks Pilot Program
May 25 2016 - 12:01AM
Business Wire
- Ford launches FordInclusiveWorks pilot
program to provide individuals who have autism with an opportunity
to gain work experience at Ford
- Program kicks off June 1, and will
provide work roles in Ford’s product development organization
- FordInclusiveWorks supports Ford’s goal
to contribute to a better world, making people’s lives better and
helping the communities in which the company operates
Ford Motor Company today announces it is collaborating with
Autism Alliance of Michigan on a pilot program that aims to provide
individuals who have autism with an opportunity to gain work
experience with the company in an on-the-job training program
funded by the alliance.
FordInclusiveWorks kicks off June 1. It will provide work roles
in Ford’s product development organization.
“We are committed to making people’s lives better, and this
pilot program has the potential to not only make the participants’
lives better, but also help Ford be an even more diverse and
inclusive workforce,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president,
product development and chief technical officer. “Autism affects
many people in our communities, and I’m proud we’re taking on this
important initiative.”
Five new positions in product development were created to suit
the skills and capabilities of people with autism. As part of this
pilot, Ford will evaluate participants for future employment, as
well as the program in general. If there is a potential fit, the
individual will enter into Ford’s standard recruiting process.
“Individuals with autism bring a unique set of talents to our
business,” says Felicia Fields, Ford group vice president, human
resources and corporate services. “We recognize that having a
diverse and inclusive workforce allows us to leverage a wider range
of innovative ideas to make our customers’ lives better.”
Through FordInclusiveWorks, individuals with autism will not
only gain work experience, but also contribute to business
objectives and enhance diversity at Ford. The program supports the
company’s goal to contribute to a better world and support the
communities in which it operates.
The pilot is beneficial for everyone involved – individuals with
autism will gain work experience that uses their unique skill sets,
while the work they complete will contribute to Ford’s product
development efforts.
“We are truly excited to be collaborating with Ford on this
pilot program,” says Colleen Allen, president and CEO, Autism
Alliance of Michigan. “For so many individuals with autism spectrum
disorder, getting and keeping a job is a challenge. Often,
companies lack understanding of the unique characteristics
associated with autism, which can be challenging, and unfortunately
this can lead to perceptions of a poor fit for the individual and
coworkers. I applaud Ford for taking these critical steps to
understand autism, and for giving those who have struggled to find
competitive employment real career opportunities that could be life
changing for them.”
For example, in the vehicle evaluation and verification test
lab, a FordInclusiveWorks participant will log and prep tires for
test vehicles used by engineers for product assessment. The work is
highly structured, requires a great deal of focus, and calls for a
high level of attention to detail and organization. Skills required
to complete this task safely and with a high level of quality lend
themselves to strengths typically associated with individuals with
autism.
Ford is an equal opportunity employer, and anyone can apply for
an open position at any time at
http://corporate.ford.com/careers.htm.
Individuals with autism interested in being considered for
future pilot program opportunities can reach out to Autism Alliance
of Michigan for assistance in preparing for such experiences and
workplace success.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67
plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of
Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as
Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively
pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the
company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous
vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. The
company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit
Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products
worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company,
visit www.corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and
high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
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Ford Motor CompanyMonique
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