DuPont Co. and The Precisionists, Inc. announced the launch of a pilot program to employ neurodiverse adults at DuPont’s Tralee Park facility in Newark
“When properly assessed and trained, neurodiverse people, including those impacted by autism, are extremely high-performing professionals. TPI’s employees bring innovative approaches to performing critical and challenging jobs such as administrative business, manufacturing quality control and IT functions,” said Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists. “When you consider that more than 75% of autistic adults in the U.S. are either unemployed or underemployed, we are making a true difference in engaging a significant, untapped labor force. We are thrilled to partner with DuPont, a world-class leader in innovation, and an employer committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.”
This project is DuPont’s first neurodiverse employment pilot. Individuals taking part in this project within DuPont’s Kalrez business will be identified, assessed, trained, and employed by The Precisionists. They will conduct project-based work performing final inspections within the manufacturing process of Kalrez O-rings, providing dimensional and visual conformity inspections against defined specifications. In addition, they will receive direction, training, and support.
“We’re excited to partner with The Precisionists on this pilot to support neurodiverse individuals in the workplace,” said Kimberly Markiewicz, DuPont vice president, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Being a diverse and inclusive company means that everyone can come to work with their own unique and special skills and talents. That’s why we’re fostering a culture and environment where everyone feels valued and most of all, empowered to maximize their potential for success.”
Individuals participating in the pilot will complete a comprehensive four-week training program. During the pilot phase, DuPont also hopes to identify additional opportunities to grow the program and support other parts of its business, in keeping with The Precisionists’ goal of employing 10,000 people with diverse abilities in the United States over the next decade.
“I am honored to work for a company that is inclusive of neurodiverse people,” said David Bolten, Unit Manager at DuPont’s Tralee Park site. “I believe in the value that these employees bring to the workplace, and I am eager to help expand the pilot to other areas of DuPont.”
To learn more about TPI, visit www.theprecisionists.com.
