Autism CanTech

Autism CanTech! is a program that helps autistic youth gain long-term employment. It takes an autistic-centred approach to education for digital job skills.

Autism CanTech! helps Autistic youth learn entry-level employability and technical skills for today’s workplace. People who complete the program might work in many fields in the digital economy such as education, finance, government, software, or healthcare.

This unique program is tailored to participants’ individual needs. We work with participants in small classes to help them learn practical work skills. The program has career coaches ready to work with participants one-on-one. We have assistive technology, and a curriculum with no tests or exams, so participants face as few barriers as possible.

In Autism CanTech! participants will learn:

• employability skills such as how to use communication and productivity tools, process management, and teamwork
• job-specific skills such as data processing

Participants will complete a six-month program that includes four months of coursework and a two-month paid work experience. They also have the chance to make friends and build relationships with other autistic youth. Employers will be trained to include and support participants and help them confidently engage with each other and their clients. Participants can still be on AISH or other government supports while in the program.

How to apply

The program is accepting applicants until March 22, 2021. Space is limited and only those who qualify through the selection process will be accepted.