Moving from unemployment to winning the New Zealand Disability Support Networks 2015 award for Excellence in Supported Employment Practice was a fast journey for Luke Kenmare (Iwi – Te Arawa, hapu – Ngati Rangitihi). Luke was a client of Catapult and was looking for paid employment. Seeing potential in Luke’s abilities and capacity to work as an Employment Consultant, Catapult offered him a one-year contract. His potential was soon realised, his experiences in having “been there and done that” as far as unemployment is concerned brought an extra dimension to his work. An example of his excellent work was the relationship he  built with the recruitment manager at Canterbury Linen Services, the relationship helped him to assist four of Catapult’s clients into paid work in this business. Luke’s ability to get a good understanding of client choices and aspirations enabled him to match the right people to the job. All of the people he  placed at Canterbury Linen Services have a disability of some sort, ranging from cognitive to mental health to Asperger’s.   Luke provided on-going support to them and the employer through regular visits and conversations.