ITI Articles

Paraplegic Shaun Murphy, 21, has taken on a course at the New Zealand Welding School as he finds his way in the world in a wheelchair.

Shaun Murphy may have lost the use of his legs but he never gave up hopes of finding a job. Three years ago while working as a dairy farmer in the Wairarapa the 21-year-old was in a car crash that left him a paraplegic.  He was determined to continue living his life to the full and he expects to start a welding job in Christchurch within the next two months.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to getting a job,'' he said.  After his accident Mr Murphy moved back to Rotorua, where he grew up and still has family, and took up wheelchair basketball.  ``Life goes on. I couldn't change what happened and just had to live with it. Mentally and physically, you just learn to cope. There was no way I was throwing in the towel,'' he said.

Rejection did not deter him. After being declined a spot on the mechanics course at an institute of technology, Mr Murphy wheeled himself in to the New Zealand Welding School. The next day he joined other students, where a specially designed workbench built to accommodate his wheelchair was waiting for him. ``I couldn't believe it. Before I even started they had their tape measure out and I asked what they needed that for. The next thing, I had my own bench space to work in.'' He's never looked back. ``Everyone is so helpful and supportive.''

Course co-ordinator Wayne Sheard said there was little changed to accommodate Mr Murphy on the course.  "He has his own space to work in and he wears an apron instead of a jacket. He does what everyone else does.'' Mr Murphy's positive attitude helped a lot, Mr Sheard said. ``He just gets on with life. Nothing seems to hold him back. He is just so positive.''

By the time he completes the 14-week basic welding course, Mr Murphy is likely to go straight into a job.  A Christchurch firm making large metal poles is considering taking him on. They had been looking for a person who could weld sitting down. ``He's perfect for the job. The work will come past him instead of him having to move around the work,'' Mr Sheard said.

This article also appeared in Rotorua's Daily Post.