Taylor Expands Job Training Program for Candidates on Autism Spectrum

NORTH MANKATO, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taylor Corporation has announced the graduation of a second cohort of equipment operator students through its partnership with South Central College (SCC) in Mankato, Minnesota. The Uniquely Abled Academy, developed by SCC’s Customized Workforce Education division, provides individuals with autism and other unique abilities the technical skills needed to prepare for careers as printing press operators. Over the last two years, 11 students have graduated from the program, leading to 10 new hires for Taylor.

“Taylor’s purpose as a company is to create opportunity and security for employees and the Uniquely Abled Academy does exactly that,” says Brent Christopherson, Director of Talent Acquisition for Taylor. "The program creates meaningful career opportunities for individuals who have historically been overlooked, while helping Taylor build the skilled workforce we need for the future. We're incredibly proud to be part of a program that recognizes people for their abilities and creates a pathway to long-term careers."

Participants in the Uniquely Abled Academy spend eight weeks in the program, mixing classroom instruction at South Central College with hands-on experiences operating print production equipment at The Occasions Group, a nearby Taylor printing facility. The students work side by side with Taylor employees on the production floor, under the guidance of an instructor and a success coach from SCC. “It’s actually an accelerated learning curve,” adds Christopherson. “The Uniquely Abled candidates learn how to use four different machines in those eight weeks, which is more than we introduce to most new hires.”

For South Central College, the Uniquely Abled Academy directly supports the school’s mission in the community. “The Uniquely Abled Academy is a great example of what happens when education and industry work together with a shared purpose,” notes Dr. Ritu Raju, President of South Central College. “It opens doors for students, helps employers meet workforce needs, and strengthens our communities. That alignment is exactly what we strive for at South Central College.”

The Uniquely Abled Academy is off to a strong start as Taylor and South Central College consider plans for a third training cohort in 2027. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with SCC and creating opportunities for more uniquely abled members of the community,” says Christopherson.

About Taylor

Taylor is a global print and communications company headquartered in North Mankato, Minnesota. Nearly 10,000 employees strong, Taylor has print operations in dozens of U.S. states and in multiple countries around the world.