Infinite Electronics, Inc., a leading global supplier of electronic components serving the urgent needs of engineers through a family of highly recognized and trusted brands, has partnered with Goodwill of Orange County to create employment opportunities for high-functioning autistic individuals. This new employment program is based out of the company’s Irvine, California facility and is aimed at creating employment opportunities in roles that fully utilize the special skills of these individuals, while also fulfilling a real need within the company.
Initially starting with one group of four people, this program has now expanded to include a total of 11 workers. The employees work in small groups for three hours a day, five days a week, depending on the workload, and are led by a coach provided by Goodwill of Orange County. The goal of this employment program is to provide an opportunity for these workers to have a rewarding job and gain real job skills that can benefit them in the future. “These employees long to function as part of everyday society and having a job that they can come to each day does just that,” said Kevin Nguyen, Production Manager for Infinite Electronics who coordinates this program with the help of a business development manager from Goodwill of Orange County.
In this program, the employees work in several functions that include repackaging products in the operations department and scanning materials for the sales team. Their work encompasses several of Infinite Electronics’ brands, including Pasternack, Fairview Microwave and L-com Global Connectivity. The tasks are perfectly suited for the individuals’ unique skill sets and these new employees are proving to be efficient and extremely accurate. Their efforts help prepare inventory to be ready-to-sell and have allowed the company to better fulfill its value proposition. “We are very proud to have partnered with Goodwill of Orange County to create employment opportunities for a group of deserving individuals who are often overlooked by other companies. These workers have proven themselves to be true assets to the company and we are honored to be able to offer them on-the-job training and real-world experience that will allow them to better their lives,” said Jim Dauw, Chief Operations Officer at Infinite Electronics.
Infinite Electronics launched this program during the first quarter of 2018 and all feedback has been positive. The company has seen real tangible benefits and the workers recently received special recognition for their efforts with a stuffed animal giveaway. “These individuals are excited to come to work each and every day. This job gives them a sense of purpose and meaning, and they bring a happy and uplifting spirit with them each day, which inevitably spreads throughout the workplace,” said Nguyen. Infinite Electronics’ partnership employment program with Goodwill of Orange County is slated to continue indefinitely, with the possibility of further growth at the company’s Irvine, California location.
For more information about Infinite Electronics, please visit www.infiniteelectronics.com.For more information on Goodwill visit www.ocgoodwill.org.
