The story of the “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” employment model began with the contribution of Andros, one of France’s international companies, with which Eker has maintained a business partnership since 2006. The presence of a team of 12 autistic adults within Andros demonstrated that individuals with autism can work efficiently in a workplace environment with the support of job coaches.
The most valuable aspect of this employment model pioneered by Andros was that individuals with autism gained their own economic independence through their work. In addition, the living center established by Andros provided opportunities for individuals with autism to socialize with friends independently of their families, participate in various activities, and meet their daily living needs on their own.
Eker Dairy Products Vice General Manager Nevra Eker and the company’s then Human Resources Director, Ahmet Aydın Akyol, traveled to France together with executives from the Tohum Autism Foundation to observe this model. After returning to Turkey, a specialist appointed by the foundation conducted job analyses at the Eker factory and identified areas where individuals with autism could work.
In January 2018, the first step toward implementing this employment model at Eker was taken with the hiring of a supervisor. After receiving training for three months at the Tohum Autism Foundation Special Education School, our supervisor came to our facilities in Mustafakemalpaşa and began designing our “Autistic Individuals in the Workforce” employment model in the most appropriate way, once again under the foundation’s consultancy.
In May 2018, we employed our first job coach and two colleagues with autism. In the following period, we welcomed a new colleague with autism into our team approximately every six months. Thanks to this sustainable growth, as of 2025 we continue our journey with a total of 14 colleagues with autism—12 at our factory, and 1 each at our Bursa and İzmir regional offices. Through this meaningful employment model that benefits society, we continue to support adults with autism in their development and enable them to participate in working life as confident individuals, in line with their own strengths and preferences.
On this journey, transformed by our differences, we believe in the power of creating and growing together. Our colleagues with autism—so glad you are with us!
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