People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than non-disabled people.

 

Project Employ’s vision is to create a community where young people with intellectual or learning disabilities are engaged in meaningful, paid employment in the same way as any other member of society.

“Before she started the training, Emily thought she’d never be able to work…“

Watch Emily’s Story, as told by her parents.

“I was shy and nervous when I started my training but the Job Coaches were great teachers. I learnt lots of new skills, became more confident, and my speech improved.

At the end of my training, I started an internship at Flourish Cafe in Air NZ.  I loved working there and I loved getting paid.  Everyone knew my name and I enjoyed taking orders and talking to people. I became more independent. I caught the bus to work and was always on time.

I love working, and having a job gives me a sense of purpose. I want to keep working so that one day I can buy my own house.  A big thank you to Project Employ for believing in me.” 

— Ben Bettany, Project Employ Graduate and Intern, 2024