Co operative effort wins recognition

By his own admission, Luke Sula "can be really hard work".

That was why he nominated his employers, Whanganui UCOL and Youth Services Trust Wanganui, who were awarded for their efforts in facilitating a successful job placement for Mr Sula at this year's Mainstream Employment Programme prize-giving ceremony.

The programme provides a package of subsidies, training and support to help people with significant disabilities get work.

Mr Sula, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was keen to work with computers and young people, and Youth Services Trust (YST) was keen to employ him, given that he had already worked there on a voluntary basis, proving his work ethic and developing a relevant skill set.

To secure Mainstream funding, a dual position was established for Mr Sula at YST, as a mentor at the Awa City Computer Clubhouse, and Whanganui UCOL, where he is an IT support assistant.

Mr Sula said he also nominated his employers because it was the first time a Mainstream position has been shared by two organisations.

He has completed the placement and is employed on merit, working 10 hours per week in each role.

The judges noted the reason YST and UCOL were named the runners-up in the employer of the year category "was because they were prepared to engage in an innovative solution and work together to give Mr Sula sufficient work of a kind that best utilised his strengths and abilities".

Wanganui's Cullinane College was also recognised at the ceremony for providing a high quality employment opportunity for a laboratory technician, whose disability had prevented her from sticking at anything for very long.

"The school teachers and management have gone out of their way to allow me to develop in ability and confidence," she said.

Associate Social Development Minister Tariana Turia presented the awards at a ceremony in Wellington last week and said Mainstream was an ideal "stepping stone", helping those with disabilities obtain secure employment.

More than 210 people are in Mainstream job placements.

The scheme is now fully subscribed, with a waiting list.