Helping young people employ their unique skills

By harnessing the exceptional abilities of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and upskilling them in data analytics, Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) is building careers while filling skill-gaps in Queensland’s geospatial and engineering professions.

The not-for-profit social enterprise epitomises the Buy Queensland approach, supporting ‘Diversity through supply chains’ by enabling the young, neurodiverse employees to be upskilled, gain real-world, paid consultancy experience and enjoy a career in ASA or with other employers.

Founded in September 2020, ASA has over 120 staff, of whom 80% identify as neurodivergent, with the most common being ASD. Aged from 18-30, 37% of its employees are women, 64% were long-term unemployed and for 71%, it’s their first job.

Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Smith, said ASA employed and trained young neurodivergent individuals to process and analyse geospatial and engineering data in industries, including telecommunications, energy, utilities, agriculture, government agencies and academia.

ASA has been working with the Queensland Government via Energy Queensland through Enzen and the Department of Resources.

ASA’s employees, supported by People Success Officers and Technical Leaders, are trained in Geographic Information System (GIS), survey, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Machine Learning Human in the loop (HITL) training.

Their exceptional personal abilities, which include pattern recognition (48% faster), accuracy (92%) and diverse problem-solving skills, coupled with the training, make them valuable employees.

'Australia needs another 1,500 extra professionals in these fields every year,' Geoff said.

'These people have got good skills and can help meet the shortage.

'By employing them you get people who want to come to work and make a difference.'

ASA provides its neurodivergent employees with a career path via an internal career promotion to a Professional Services Project Manager or Technical Leader, or through a supported employment transition into a client’s workforce. It also works with other social enterprises to help its employees into other fields such as app development.

ASA has also launched its Neurodiversity in the Workplace Training Program to empower organisations to unlock and embrace the full potential of a neurodiverse workforce.

'It fills my heart to see them grow. It changes their lives forever.

'They become a different person, relaxed, comfortable and with friends.

'They can see they’ve got a future,” Geoff said.

While supporting neurodivergent people, ASA is contributing to diversity and inclusivity in the supply chain, delivering positive social and economic outcomes for Queensland.

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