For businesses today, it’s vitally important to recruit people from all walks of life, including those with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is well-understood that a diverse workforce leads to more engaged employees, greater innovation and improved business outcomes. That’s why PPL needed to explore ways to match talented individuals with ASD with vibrant careers in our company.

Individuals with autism bring unique characteristics to a team. They may look at life through a different lens, bringing a fresh perspective, or excel at finding new algorithms to solve complex issues. They can exceed performance expectations in many roles – but they need to know what opportunities are out there and employers need to know how to support them.

In 2019, PPL launched a day-in-the-life career initiative that provides an opportunity for college students with ASD to learn about jobs and interact with employees in a safe environment. We partnered with local universities and colleges that already provide enhanced support services to students on the autism spectrum.

Employees in REACH, PPL’s employee-led business resource group, helped execute the event. We have found that participation in panel discussions, networking events and career fairs for students with disabilities have been great ways to reach differently-abled individuals. Also, the more one-on-one opportunities and experiences you create, the more comfortable those with disabilities such as ASD become with your environment.

The day-in-the-life event included a panel discussion with PPL employees, a drone overview, a virtual reality substation demonstration and a tour of the distribution and transmission control centers.

The students engaged with PPL employees during the panel discussion, asking questions about the company and the REACH business resource group. 

The first event was held in March 2019 and was attended by 12 university students with ASD and five faculty members to show them life at PPL beyond the poles and wires. A second event was held several months later.

Since that time, PPL has used the event as a model to include all students with different abilities, not just those with autism.  

We have also moved forward to work with an external vendor to source contracted services with their “Autism to Work” program. In addition, we have hired several students with different-abilities  as full time employees.

Due to COVID-19, the program has been adapted to work well in a virtual model. This year, we will hold several virtual events with attendees from seven different universities. Have expanded the model to a We will also be replicating the model this year to include a similar type event for student veterans.

Kristine Maciolek Small, Director - Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Management