The autism and agriculture initiative
SunPork Group, a leading name in the Australian pork industry, launched an initiative known as Autism and Agriculture. This program focuses on employing autistic adults in specialist animal care roles, capitalising on their high attention to detail, caring nature and unique skills. With the support of Autism SA in the planning and development stages, SunPork Group crafted an alternative recruitment process that successfully integrated 16 autistic adults into full or part-time employment on their farms in Queensland and South Australia.
Kristy Richards, Project Leader of Autism and Agriculture shared with our team,
“We have taken the traditional resume interview process and replaced it with something that is entirely practical and allows people to show us what they can do”.
This case study explores how this collaboration fostered a more neuro-inclusive workforce and set a new standard in the agricultural sector.
SunPork’s innovative Autism & Agriculture program was developed in partnership with Autism SA, Autism CRC, and Specialisterne, representing a significant financial and cultural investment in creating a neuro-inclusive workplace.
Key phases of the initiative
1. Developing an autism-friendly recruitment framework
- Dual-Mode Application Process: The program introduced a flexible application process, allowing candidates to showcase their abilities through detailed “About Me” profiles and creative submissions, such as text, photos, or videos, instead of the standard resume and interview format. This approach provided a more comprehensive understanding of candidates’ skills and interests beyond traditional metrics.
2. Training and support systems
- Tiered training program: The collaboration designed a tiered training program to support both candidates and their colleagues. This training helped team members understand how best to support one another, creating a more inclusive work environment.
- Structured work environment: Autism SA provided guidance on structuring the work environment and tasks, ensuring that the workplace was accommodating and supportive for autistic employees.
3. Recruitment process
- Inclusive recruitment design: The program featured a recruitment process that allowed candidates to showcase their skills in a supportive manner. It started with a Virtual Piggery Event, where a simulated work environment included tasks like climbing over fences, entering data, and injecting oranges.
- Workplace tour and job trial: Candidates were then invited to a workplace tour to demonstrate these skills in a real work setting. Those who chose to progress completed a two-week paid on-the-job work trial with ongoing support, helping ensure a smooth transition into their roles.
4. Ongoing support and evaluation
- Job matching and support: Candidates who progressed through the recruitment phase were matched to roles within the piggery. Ongoing support was provided to employees and staff, including implementing mentorship and coaching systems to facilitate successful integration into the workplace.
- Evaluation and continuous improvement: The initiative included an evaluation process where feedback was gathered, and suggestions were made to refine the recruitment and support framework. This ongoing support ensures the program’s long-term success and adaptability.
SunPork’s Autism & Agriculture program exemplifies a comprehensive approach to creating a neuro-inclusive workplace, from recruitment and training to ongoing support and evaluation.
Niki Welz from Autism SA, who collaborated on the initiative shared,
“It was great to see autistic individuals, some of whom have significant qualifications, being given the opportunity to showcase their skills and capabilities in a supportive, neuro-inclusive way. This alternative approach meant they were able to secure positions and achieve success in ways that would have been unlikely through traditional recruitment processes. Without this initiative, many of these individuals with great skills might have struggled to overcome the barriers inherent in conventional hiring methods.”
Outcomes and impact
The program has had significant outcomes for both SunPork and autistic jobseekers:
- Enhanced workforce integration: SunPork successfully placed 16 autistic adults into integrated employment roles. The tailored recruitment process allowed autistic individuals to enter into the sector and to be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills such as attention to detail and empathy in animal care.
- Cultural shift and improved practices: SunPork have shared that the incorporation of autistic employees has driven a cultural shift within the company. Staff now focus on the strengths and achievements of their neurodivergent colleagues, leading to improved training resources and work instructions for all staff. This positive change has also extended into other parts of the Australian pork industry, inspiring similar initiatives.
- Recognition of neurodiverse talent: The program has raised awareness of the unique talents that autistic individuals can bring to the workforce, particularly in roles requiring meticulous attention and care. This recognition aligns with the UN’s Call to Action for businesses to employ autistic adults.
- Industry-wide implications: An evaluation of the Autism & Agriculture pilot program by Curtin University, on behalf of Autism CRC, aims to provide recommendations for extending this employment model across the wider agriculture industry. This has the potential to transform how the sector approaches both animal welfare and inclusive hiring practices.
This initiative demonstrates the impact of alternative recruitment processes in fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. By focusing on the strengths of autistic individuals and providing a supportive work environment, the program has not only enhanced SunPork’s operational practices but has also set a new benchmark for neuro-inclusive employment in agriculture.
To find out more, visit SunPork and Autism CRC.
