Mainstream Programme

Mainstream placement may be what your looking for!

How do Mainstream placements work?
A job is created by a State sector employer for a two year period and the Mainstream participant is trained on the job.

What is the State sector?
Public Service departments, such as Work and Income and IRD and most Crown Entities, like hospitals, universities and polytechnics.

Are all people with disabilities eligible for Mainstream placements?
No, eligibility is assessed by Mainstream and needs to be applied for by an employment specialist in writing.

Basic Criteria are:

• You must experience significant disability and employment options must be limited.
• If in paid employment, you must have been working less than 15 hours per week during the last 6 months.

Who do I talk to about applying for Mainstream eligibility?
A placement specialist from a local supported employment agency in your area.

What subsidy does Mainstream provide?
A 100% salary subsidy for year one and 50% for year two. Up to $2000 is also available for extra training in each year of the placement.

Does Mainstream meet the cost of adaptive equipment?
Yes, the Mainstream Programme will meet some costs of disability in employment for Mainstream Programme participants. An application form is available from the Mainstream office.

What rate of pay is expected?
The same rate as anyone else performing similar duties.

What are the minimum hours that can be worked each week?
Anything from five hours per week up to full-time. Many people begin Mainstream placements on a small number of hours and build this up over several months.

What are the minimum hours that can be worked each week?
Anything from five hours per week up to full-time. Many people begin Mainstream placements on a small number of hours and build this up over several months.

Does Mainstream provide ongoing support throughout the placement?
Yes, each participant and supervisor is assigned a Mainstream casework advisor. The casework advisor monitors and supports each placement. The placement specialist originally involved in setting up the position also maintains contact.

How can I get more information?
Contact the Mainstream Programme by phoning: 0800MSTREAM (678 732), faxing: 04 918 0103 or email Mainstream (mainstream@msd.govt.nz)