Hundreds of people with disabilities or criminal records or a predisposition to youth crime could be helped into long-term meaningful employment thanks to a new initiative.
A six-month programme called Launchpad Work is set to boost eight social enterprises from May 1 which focus on breaking down the greatest barriers to employment.
This initiative could change the life of people like 22-year-old Ian Gorringe who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Gorringe's disability limits his concentration and focus. In the past month Gorringe, who wanted to be a barista, has applied for eight cafe jobs and had an interview for one.
"They weren't interested because I didn't have the experience they wanted.
"A lot of employers don't feel like they have the time to work with you if you have a disability. They'd rather somebody who doesn't have a disability who can learn things straight away."
Spectrum Care service manager Sarah Mansell and Ian Gorringe who has ADHD and is searching for a paid job as a barista. Photo / Supplied
Gorringe admitted his behaviour used to be pretty disruptive. He was kicked out of school because "none of the teachers could teach me".
But since he joined Spectrum Care, an organisation that helps people with disabilities transition into the workplace, in 2013 he has learnt patience, how to follow instructions and teach other people
"With ADHD I used to find it really hard to concentrate.
"You could tell me to do one thing, then in two minutes I was doing something else. I wasn't very good at following instructions.
"But I'm getting to be pretty good at [following instructions] now. I can actually teach other people."
Spectrum Care is one of the organisations that will benefit from Launchpad Work with social enterprise manager, mentor, marketing advice and $10,000.
The Ākina Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to create Launchpad Work.
Akina Foundation chief executive Alex Hannant said the key goal is to get people into work, who would otherwise be spending a long time on the benefit. This could be done by focusing on those with the greatest barriers to employment.
Ākina Foundation chief executive Alex Hannant. Photo / Mark Tantrum
"It's for those who have the greatest barriers to employment and will be on welfare, potentially for a long time.
"Social enterprises prove pretty effective at tackling this problem ... It's about making some money and having an amazing impact as well."
A US study showed that, for every $1 an employment-focused social enterprise spent, it created $2.23 for society in improved employment, household income, housing security and savings to government.
Launchpad Work had around 40 applicants, of which they chose eight, Hannant said.
"We find out what they want, then wrap support around them."
The ventures
Dine Academy Trust will engage young people at risk of long-term unemployment and sole parents into boot camps for them to get "work ready" and transition into employment in cookery, tourism and customer service.
Youth Employment Support Scheme will partner with retailers and businesses to support at-risk youth into employment.
The Fresh Desk is a cleaning company that will expand into Auckland from Wellington. It hires marginalised people such as those with disabilities.
Destination Trades is dedicated to supporting women into the construction trades industry.
WeVisit is a mentoring service that finds early retirees with a project and matches them with a young person. It gives the youth an opportunity to explore different vocations.
Global Action Plan Oceania employs those with barriers to work for its education, consulting and recycling services in Auckland
Spectrum Care Business Enterprise is creating a training and employment path for young people with intellectual disabilities to enter mainstream employment.
Mangere East Access Trust runs the Community Cafe Project. It will provide community-based opportunities for training and employment in Mangere for young people, a new community hub and healthier local eating options.
