The pandemic has disrupted many people’s livelihoods, and David Jim is just one example. The former healthcare company clerk, who specialized in data entry, was laid off in 2020. What makes David’s experience different from many is his condition: as someone with Autism, re-entering the working world was not straightforward. People with Autism grapple with social, emotional and communication difficulties. David becomes intensely nervous in a new environment, and it takes him time to settle in and feel comfortable.
As a data entry clerk, David found Microsoft 365’s application complicated at first. He also harbored misconceptions about administrative work, which made his job search hard. Things changed when he signed up for SAHK’s FutureReady Digital Workshop, a training program supported by Microsoft Hong Kong and Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The SAHK is a non-profit organization that offers services and courses for people of all ages and abilities. The Youth development Platform is a unit that provides comprehensive support to young persons with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Through this program, I was able to acquire the digital skills that I lacked,” says David. “Now I realize that Microsoft Excel, for example, is very useful for me at work and have become more confident in being able to complete tasks up to the standard my supervisor expects.”
The digital workshop teaches a series of practical digital skills that have helped David enhance his abilities and better understand digital trends and the skillset he requires to seize opportunities. After completing the course, he received a job opportunity to rejoin his former employer, the healthcare company.
“Moving forward, I would like to sign up for more courses to further upskill my digital skills and learn more about the trends of Big Data and the application of Power BI. I want to apply what I have learnt to my work and improve my performance and efficiency. I feel thankful to SAHK for supporting my personal growth and encourage me to overcome difficult moments in job hunting.”
Microsoft Hong Kong is collaborating with multiple local non-profit organizations to help everyone in Hong Kong gain the digital skills they need to progress through the global training program Skills for Jobs and Livelihoods. The goal is for everyone to realize their full potential and embrace new opportunities in the digital economy.
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