A Belfast-based company has teamed up with a social enterprise to deliver work placements in the digital sector for people with learning difficulties and autism.
It is hoped that the link-up between Allstate NI and the NOW Group will help to "educate, raise awareness and support those affected by autism".
The NOW Group Digital Academy is a 12-week placement plan that gives hands-on experience at Allstate NI’s contact centre, which manages technical queries from the company's employees around the world.
All State NI has also delivered training courses to over 50 employees in 2021 aimed at developing their understanding of autism.
It comes as the IT company enhances its diversity and inclusion practices to ensure under-represented members of society are both a part of the company and have a voice in all policies and decisions.
Sabrina Lynch, who works to raise awareness of autism within the company, said: "Ensuring everyone feels comfortable, supported, and represented in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility.
"Within the Ausome Committee, we are working to educate, raise awareness and support those affected by autism.
"It is refreshing to be allocated time that we can dedicate to training staff, adjusting our environment, and ensuring appropriate customer service processes to make Allstate a comfortable place for all."
John Healy, vice-president and managing director of Allstate NI, said "inclusive diversity has long been a core value" of the company.
"In 2022, we are working to ensure it is the norm across all of our operations and hope this will inspire a step-change in how we do things," he said.
"We believe it is important to hold each other accountable to embrace collective differences and individual characteristics, values and beliefs, along with the backgrounds and experiences that give us fresh perspective and purpose.
"Operating in this way helps everyone. It makes our people feel welcome, and we in turn work harder, share better, and produce more innovative ideas when we are accepted for who we are.
"Our success comes from many different voices, and we are committed to ensuring each one is recognised and represented."
