By Vance Checketts

As CEO of auticon US, a leading employer of autistic adults in technology and provider of neuroinclusion services, I’m excited to share the launch of the auticon Training Institute (ATI), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing autistic adults for technology careers. Building on auticon’s commitment to neurodiversity in tech, ATI’s tailored programs will empower autistic professionals to pursue careers in software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. ATI offers structured training pathways, certifications, internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities—all free of charge for the trainees. 

This initiative comes at a critical time, as many autistic adults remain unemployed or underemployed despite their potential to excel in the workforce. There are 5.4 million autistic adults In the U.S. Among those with a college degree, up to 85% are either unemployed or underemployed. Meanwhile, the technology sector faces a significant skills shortage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This disconnect presents a unique opportunity for ATI to bridge the gap by equipping autistic adults with the technical skills and confidence needed to thrive in tech careers.

Autistic individuals often have the ideal aptitudes and abilities for tech careers, but may lack the required technical skills or job experience to land their first role. ATI exists to fill those gaps, creating a mutual benefit for autistic adults and companies seeking skilled tech talent. Our goal is to increase the supply of ready-to-work autistic technologists and ultimately decrease unemployment and underemployment within the autistic community.

Pluralsight One, which works to close the technology skills gap by partnering with nonprofits and educators, was an early supporter. ATI trainees will complete online training programs and receive credentials through Pluralsight's platform. We’re also grateful for the support of the Olafson Charitable Fund and the Jeremy & Amy Hanks Foundation.

I’m proud to be joined on ATI’s Board by Utah investment leaders; executives from Fortune 500 companies with a proven commitment to hiring autistic talent and embracing neurodiversity; and leaders in business, technology, and autism services: 

  • Bob McCowan, SVP & CIO, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Jodi Donnelly, IT Product Manager, Nationwide
  • Jeff Hunter, SVP Wealth Management & Private Wealth Advisor, UBS
  • Michael Storz, President, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center
  • Evan Bierman, Finance Director, auticon US
  • John Kingdeski
  • Alison Andreozzi (Advisor)
  • Eric Olafson (Advisor)

The first cohort of trainees has already completed their training and started internships at Regeneron. ATI welcomes outreach from companies that are interested in providing technical internships for ATI trainees. ATI partners gain access to pre-screened talent that can be custom trained for your tech roles, plus job coaching and neuroinclusion training, creating a win-win situation for autistic technologists and your teams. 

We hope Utah employers will join us in supporting career development for autistic tech professionals while experiencing the competitive advantages of neurodiverse teams. Together, we can reduce unemployment and underemployment in the autistic community while building a more inclusive tech workforce. 

About the Author

Vance Checketts is CEO of auticon US and Board President of the auticon Training Institute. Prior to joining auticon in 2024, Vance served as the COO at the pioneering HR technology startup, Built. Before his tenure at Built, Vance held executive positions at various startups and prominent corporations such as Oracle, EMC, and Dell Technologies. His contributions have garnered recognition, including the Living Color Award from Utah Business, the Impact Award from Women Tech Council, and the Silver Leadership Award from Junior Achievement. Vance actively participates in community and industry boards, including Junior Achievement, STEM Action Center, Women Tech Council, and the Technology Initiative Advisory Board of the Utah System of Higher Education. He is passionate about technology, nature, and social impact. Vance holds a BA and an MBA in International Business from Brigham Young University.

About the auticon Training Institute

The auticon Training Institute (ATI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to training and preparing autistic adults for tech careers. ATI is separate from but closely partnered with auticon US. ATI’s mission is to reduce unemployment and underemployment in the autistic community by empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to excel in technology roles. Through technical training, job coaching, internships, mentorship, and networking, ATI equips autistic adults to succeed in careers where their abilities are highly valued. For more information or to get involved, visit www.auticontraininginstitute.org.

About auticon

Based in Sacrament with a presence in Salt Lake City, auticon is an award-winning social innovation company. As an autistic-majority company, we’re a resource for talent. We integrate our technology consultants into client organizations, performing as software developers, data analysts, QA engineers, and more. Clients experience our outstanding autistic professionals first-hand, opening minds and achieving diversity goals. 

Our model improves the economic and social conditions of the autistic community with quality careers, unlocking opportunity, and empowering client organizations through actionable neurodiversity training and advisory services. Here, our employees build lifelong careers in technology, discovering personal autonomy and improved self-esteem.

For more information, visit www.auticon.com/us. 

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