ABOUT US
OUR VISION“A society where people can overcome barriers,
enabling all to contribute to the social and economic life of the community.”
Our Mission & History
Our Mission: “To support people into meaningful employment and community participation“
employable is a specialist Supported Employment Agency that has served the Nelson economy well for over twenty-five years servicing over 1500 people. We specialise in providing support to the almost one in four of adults under the age of 65 who manage a disability. Our professional employment service provides free ongoing support.
Whether you are an employer, job seeker or student, our professional staff are keen to meet your employment needs. Our process is easy for both prospective employers and job seekers.
The employable building
used to be Nelson’s Tip Top ice cream factory
What constitutes as a disability?
The word disability covers a very broad spectrum of barriers, from Diabetes to Dyslexia, Asthma to Arthritis.
However, a disability is a self-identified physical or mental health barrier/disability, that is likely to last longer than six months. As disabilities vary so much, employable is dedicated to meeting you where you are, and likewise providing the employment support that you need, as you need it.
Our History
Village Community Trust was formed by a group of people who valued the principle of community inclusion and integration for all members of society. It was registered as a charitable trust under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, with the intention of establishing a small rural community. In 1991 the principles of the Trust were refocused towards actively supporting employment initiatives for people with a disability.
Purple Monkey
In 1991 Purple Monkey Enterprises was established at Founders Park. This was a small craft business employing people with disabilities. After two years of operation, the enterprise was sold to a staff member. In 1993 a Mobile Work Crew was established in Motueka, undertaking gardening, tree felling, general labouring and selling produce from a glasshouse. The Work Crew was relocated to Nelson in 1995, undertaking work contracts for litter collection, grounds maintenance and gardening. The Work Crew was established as a sheltered employment scheme, providing supervised work or people with disabilities.
Supported Employment Agency
In 1995 VCT established a Supported Employment Agency, funded by the Community Funding Agency. The agency provided a free job placement and support service for people with disabilities, seeking to integrate clients back into the workforce. The agency developed valuable links with other support agencies and employers. In 1998 the main funding source was transferred to Work and Income New Zealand. Since then VCT has worked to develop a Supported Employment service ¡n liaison with Work & Income NZ, the Dept of Labour and other local disability and employment agencies. In 1999 the Mobile Work Crew lost its sheltered employment status and was brought into line with supported employment principles. In 2000 VCT established Village Green Services, a contracting service employing jobseekers directly.
VCT Employment
In 2001 the Trust re-launched the Supported Employment Agency as VCT
employable
In February 2019, VCT rebranded to the name “employable”.
Pronounced “employ able” The name encompasses the diverse and specialised service that VCT has offered for nearly three decades.
OUR TEAM
Anessha Jayshankar
MANAGER, EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT / BUSINESS DEVELOPER
Anessha has a background in HR, Coaching, Learning and Development. Having worked in India and New Zealand, she has experience working with a diverse workforce. In the past, she worked for Private and Public sector organisation’s such as the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet NZ, Ministry of Education NZ etc. She enjoys helping people find their way to make a difference, live in alignment with their values, and learn to sustainably balance their career.
KELLY ROZIER
EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT / INTAKE
Kelly comes from a trades background which included machining, automotive engineering and engineering. After deciding he wanted a career change he headed off into the HR industry. Kelly has extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and enjoys watching people grow and develop themselves and their careers.
elmarie karg
EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT / BUSINESS DEVELOPER
Elmarie has a background in Career development, communications and marketing. Originally from South Africa, she has experience working within a diverse job market. She enjoys networking and meeting new people.
Elmarie prides herself on being people-focused and employs a wide range of counselling and coaching techniques to help clients reach their job and career goals.