The ‘Full Spectrum’ Apprenticeship: Amplifying Voices, Creating Careers

The story of Michael and the SKS partnership was recently featured on Fox 8 Live in their "Good Side" segment. The video highlights how the our Full Spectrum Apprenticeship and SKS are transforming lives by providing the tools and confidence young adults need to thrive in the workforce.

Watch the Fox 8 Feature:

The Good Side: So Kids SOAR and the Power of Apprenticeship

Empowering young adults on the autism spectrum through the power of podcasting, production, and digital advocacy.

At PodTechs, we believe that neurodiversity is a superpower in the world of digital media. Our Full Spectrum Apprenticeship is a vocational training program specifically designed for young adults on the autism spectrum. We provide hands-on experience in:

  • Professional Podcast Production: From sound engineering to narrative storytelling.

  • Digital Marketing & Advocacy: Learning how to use video to drive social change.

  • Career Readiness: Building technical skills and professional confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Our goal isn’t just to teach a trade, it’s to ensure that the next generation of digital creators reflects the "full spectrum" of human experience.

Success Spotlight: Michael Simmons & ‘Soaring High’

The best way to see the impact of our program is through the work of our apprentices.

Michael Simmons, a graduate of the So Kids SOAR (SKS) ‘Your Path to Success’ program and a standout PodTechs apprentice, has taken his passion for media to the next level. Michael serves as the lead producer and co-host for the Anthem Awards recognized podcast, "Soaring High with So Kids SOAR." Through this project, Michael didn’t just learn how to edit video; he became a voice for his community, interviewing activists, founders, and fellow graduates to showcase how individuals with disabilities strive, own, achieve, and realize their potential.

Award-Winning Impact

Our collaborative efforts are making waves on a national stage. We are proud to announce that the So Kids SOAR: Your Path to Success program, in partnership with PodTechs, has been recognized by the Anthem Awards.

  • Award: Silver Winner

  • Category: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging – Special Projects

  • The Project: A comprehensive vocational initiative that bridges the gap between training and employment for neurodivergent youth.

View our Anthem Award Winning Entry

Join the Movement

Are you a young adult on the spectrum looking to start a career in media? Or a nonprofit looking to amplify your advocacy through an award-winning production partner?

The Business Engine Behind the Purpose: Why Neuroinclusive Audio Wins

Many brands view corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a passive donation or a marketing write-off. At PodTechs, we view it as our primary competitive and operational advantage.

We don't lower our production standards to accommodate diverse minds; we leverage diverse minds to raise our production standards.

By integrating neurodivergent professionals, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD, into our technical audio and visual editing pipelines, we deliver a level of precision, focus, and creative problem-solving that standard, outsourced agencies struggle to match.

The Data Behind Neuroinclusive Workforces

Global enterprise studies show that embracing neurodiverse talent leads to measurable operational improvements:

  • 30% Higher Productivity: Workplaces that actively support and accommodate neurodivergent employees see up to a 30% increase in overall team productivity and a significant reduction in errors.

  • Up to 140% Peak Performance: Data from JPMorgan Chase's Autism at Work initiative revealed that participants were 90% to 140% more productive and made fewer mistakes than their neurotypical peers in detail-oriented, high-focus tasks.

  • Exceptional Retention: Major companies with dedicated neurodiversity hiring initiatives report long-term employee retention rates of over 90%, preserving deep company-specific knowledge and operational consistency.

Our Ecosystem: How We Turn Mentorship Into Paid Vocational Success

Our neurodiversity model is built on an active, closed-loop partnership that transitions local talent from classroom training to professional production careers.

  1. Vocational Foundation - 501(c)(3) organizations partner with PodTechs for intensive training

  2. Direct Mentorship & Placement - Graduates join PodTechs as paid production apprentices

  3. Professional Delivery - Apprentices co-produce high-value B2B assets & client campaigns

PodTechs acts as a "Podcasting Partner," selecting standout 16-24 year olds and placing them into paid, hands-on media production apprenticeships.