A Tier One mining company was dedicated to diversifying its workforce, and understanding the significance of integrating a range of perspectives and skill sets into the organisation. The company has encountered challenges in attracting women and neurodiverse candidates, primarily due to concerns about whether its work culture adequately supports career development tailored to individual needs.

In partnership with the ACS Foundation and Curtin University’s Autism Academy of Western Australia, the company implemented the Capacity Uplift Solutions Program (CUSP) to support interns transitioning into full-time roles. Instead of placing candidates directly into permanent positions, the program provided structured development, mentoring, and tailored support that internal teams often lacked the capacity to deliver.

Four neurodiverse developers were enrolled in the Capacity Uplift Solutions Program, where Peoplebank partnered with specialist mentors to provide tailored support. The program focused on helping participants build confidence, advocate for their needs, and establish working arrangements that enabled them to perform at their best. Mentors guided them through organisational change, shifting project requirements, and rapid upskilling, ensuring they grew steadily into their roles and delivered lasting value.

Our neurodiverse software developers were supported through the program and have successfully grown into roles across product development, operations, and cyber security. With tailored mentoring, they quickly built confidence, took on greater responsibilities, and delivered measurable value. Their strong attention to detail, curiosity, and problem-solving have enhanced project outcomes, while the program created long-term workforce sustainability and delivered around $400K in annual efficiencies. Most importantly, it strengthened technical capacity and advanced the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.