Australian Spatial Analytics

Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) is a work-integrated, not-for-profit social enterprise providing professional data services and geospatial and digital engineering careers for neurodivergent young adults.

Since 2020, it has provided jobs and job pathways for more than 150 neurodivergent young adults who may otherwise be unemployed.

Neurodiverse people often have the natural skills for tech jobs. They are natural systems thinkers and problem solvers, yet they are under-employed due to biases against them.

Geoffrey Smith, ASA Chief Executive Officer, is aware:

“Australia will need over 6.5 million big-data jobs by 2030 to keep up with technological developments. At the same time, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at least six times more likely to be unemployed than neurotypical people, despite them having them having the skills to drive Australia’s technological transformation.

“We know neurodiverse people are the rock stars of the big-data economy. That’s why we are passionate about matching a group of under-employed people who have excellent skills, with careers in the Digital Engineering and Geospatial industries.”

In October 2022, ASA received a $60,000 grant from the Bennelong Foundation. The plan was to test if a new People and Social Impact function could assist people from neurodiverse backgrounds to remain in award wage employment and thrive at work. The answer was a conclusive yes.

The creation of a People and Social Impact function has been a success, with the team growing from four members in Melbourne to 13 members across the country.

ASA employees navigate their career journey at their own pace through professional mentoring programs, individual goal planning, and social workshops.

The success stories of individuals like Harry, a Lead Data Analyst at ASA, prove the impact of ASA’s initiatives.

In one year, Harry transitioned from a junior role to a team lead, applying his skills and capabilities on critical civil infrastructure projects.

Harry’s grateful for the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive work environment, provided by ASA:

"I've learned and developed various skills and experience at ASA," shared Harry. "All of this is because I was given a chance to live up to the potential that I knew I had."

With a focus on measuring staff success, promoting internal mentorship, and supporting employees' transition into mainstream employment, ASA has set a benchmark for inclusive practices in the workplace.

Read more about the program here.