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 & qualifications in Career Development, Communications and Marketing. She is also qualified in Vocational Rehabilitation,with a keen interest in helping individuals with health needs achieve their full potential. 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.
emma NORRIS
INTERN
Emma is a talented and creative individual with a strong ability to connect with people to achieve results. She has an extensive work background, ranging from childcare, sales and marketing, supervising youth workshops, and running her own small business—all of which have given her a well-rounded array of personality strengths that make her a ‘must-have’ on any workplace team.
Emma is currently interning at employable to sharpen her skills, primarily in office administration. Her role includes content creation, social media marketing and administrative support. She has a natural ability to bring ideas to life by creating content that is engaging and eye-catching. She brings life and energy to every project she works on, and is an invaluable contributor to the team’s success.
lee green
INTERN
Lee’s journey is one of incredible resilience and passion. After an injury, he made the bold decision to shift from a successful baking career to the social work sector. This transformation has been both a personal triumph and an inspiration to all who know him. His determination to reinvent himself and pursue a meaningful career reflects his strength, commitment, and growth mindset.
As an intern at employable, Lee has become an invaluable part of our team. He supports clients with job applications, offers coaching, and provides essential administrative assistance. His genuine care for others shines through in every interaction, and he’s dedicated to helping clients succeed in their career journeys.
Lee’s work is guided by core values of whanaungatanga (community), pono (honesty), and utua (responsibility). These principles inform everything he does – from supporting clients to suggesting improvements and creating helpful content designed to empower those we serve.
Eager to continue growing in his new career path, Lee is excited about the opportunities ahead. If you’re looking to support someone driven by purpose, passion, and a desire to make a real impact, Lee would love to connect. Email Lee