This new project stems from recognising neurodiversity as an asset rather than a deficit, and acknowledging the diverse ways individuals experience and interact with the world.
With an estimated 10% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s population being neurodiverse, there is untapped potential to address the challenges they face in education and employment, particularly within key industries experiencing skill shortages.
As challenges are industry-agnostic, this is a joint venture between ConCoVE* and Food and Fibre CoVE.
This project will deliver the following outcomes:
The report found that supporting neurodiversity requires a lot of effort and proper investment. In New Zealand, neurodiversity is often grouped with disability, which means some companies don’t focus on it. For example, some companies have disability plans but don’t include neurodiversity in them. If neurodiversity had its own focus, it could get more attention. While research on neurodiversity, especially dyslexia, is growing, it needs to lead to action. Important steps include raising awareness, teaching people about neurodiversity, and training teachers to support it. The main challenge is funding, which is lower in New Zealand compared to other countries. However, with better funding and training for employees and employers, neurodiverse people can be supported to succeed. This could help fill skills gaps in the workforce and benefit both businesses and society.
Read the full report here.
*ConCOVE Tūhura is New Zealand’s Centre of Vocational Excellence for the construction and infrastructure sectors. As an applied research agency, ConCOVE initiates and funds projects aimed at addressing skills shortages, improving training, and enabling career pathways.
Skills Group
Lilla du Toit, Portfolio Manager
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