Employment Works (IPS) supports trade-qualified builder into work
Shawn is a trade-qualified builder, but some personal challenges were impacting his ability to hold down employment. With help from our Individual Placement Support (IPS) programme, known as Employment Works, Shawn was able to secure a full-time role with Northland Interiors in Whangārei.
The IPS programme is a co-funded partnership between Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and MSD Northland region. It’s an intensive, individually tailored programme that integrates employment and mental health services to support people to find and stay in work.
Not long after securing the role, Shawn was promoted to Site Foreman and he credits the achievement to his determination to keep at it and a workplace environment that fosters success.
“None of these opportunities were available to me when I was making the choices I was making before. I decided to make a change, focus on my health and now my thinking has shifted to the big picture,” says Shawn.
General Manager of Northland Interiors, Lee Sigley says he’s seen the personal growth in Shawn since he started last year and as an employer, it was important to acknowledge his past and support him to remain focused on achievable goals.
“Shawn has a presence and mana about him that our clients and younger staff members respond well to. We’re proud to see his growth not only career wise, but outside of work as well.”
For more information, visit Employment Works(external link).
Pictured, from left: Lee and Shawn of Northland Interiors Whangārei with Deb, MSD Employment Co-Ordinator, and Leanne, Te Whatu Ora Employment Specialist.
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