Autism Employment Programs & Vocational Training

NFAR is dedicated to uplifting autistic individuals through specialized vocational training programs in San Diego. Our autism employment programs teach both the hard and soft skills needed to enter the workforce and pursue a fulfilling career.

  • Our programs are for: Autistic adults in San Diego looking to to advance their careers and reach their potential

  • Participants gain: Technical job skills, soft skills, valuable work experience, and job search preparation

Pathways to Your Future

According to the CDC, more than 2% of adults in the US have some form of autism, and autism rates have been rising among all racial and ethnic groups. And yet, autistic individuals have largely been under-represented in the workforce and their abilities under-estimated.

NFAR’s innovative vocational training programs are specifically designed to help autistic and other neurodivergent individuals gain the skills they need for entry level jobs in a number of industries. NFAR is helping program participants discover their areas of interests and strengths, while building their job skills, work stamina, and confidence in order to take that next step!

Young adults in NFAR's autism employment programs collaborating on a project outdoors.
One-on-one technical training as part of NFAR's autism employment programs in San Diego.

nfar tech

This 8-month program prepares graduates for work in the high-tech field as an entry level software tester, and earn ISTQB certification.

A group of participants in NFAR's autism employment programs collaborating during a professional development workshop.

nfar works

This year-long comprehensive vocational training program gives participants the opportunity to explore job types while further exploring their areas of interests and strengths.

Students in an NFAR autism employment program receiving hands-on technical training by assembling computer hardware.

nfar it/cyber

Through our partnerships with IT/ cybersecurity leaders we have designed a program that helps our graduates gain the skills and certifications hiring managers are looking for in this ever-growing field.

NFAR’s Comprehensive APPROACH
Each Program is Comprised of 4 areas of Learning

Technical / Hard Skills
Participants receive training in technical skills with hands-on work samples and team projects - help build work stamina and confidence.
Soft Skils
Soft skills play an important role in todays world and soft skills training is an integral part of our programs.
Work Experience
Participants gain valuable work experience with real world projects in a simulated environment.
Job Search Preparation
Participants create a work portfolio and resume which highlight the new skills acquired and prepares them for that next step!

Interest Form

Are you interested in signing up for one of the programs? Please fill out an interest form to start the process. We will arrange to have you come in, tour the programs, and learn more.

FAQs

NFAR offers three vocational training programs for neurodivergent adults: NFAR Tech, which focuses on software quality assurance testing; NFAR IT/Cyber, which prepares participants for careers in IT and cybersecurity; and NFAR Works, a comprehensive year-long program that helps participants explore a variety of job types and industries.

NFAR’s programs are specifically designed for autistic and neurodivergent young adults 18 and older who are looking to build job skills, gain work experience, and take their first steps toward employment or further education.

Every NFAR vocational program includes four core areas: technical skills training, soft skills development, hands-on work experience with real-world projects, and job search preparation including resume building and interview practice.

Yes — several NFAR programs prepare participants for recognized industry certifications. NFAR Tech prepares participants for the ISTQB-CTFL software testing certification, and NFAR IT/Cyber prepares participants for CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications.

You can get started by filling out an interest form on the NFAR website. NFAR will then arrange for you to visit, tour the programs, and learn more before enrolling.