Making the transition from High School life to the working world is a difficult time for many. WorkForce Central in coordination with Vadis Supported Employment Agency is offering Pre-Employment Transition Services, funded by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Pre-Employment Transition services are available to young adults with a documented disability who are currently enrolled in school.
This program is still available during the COVID-19 pandemic, and through the closure of WorkSource offices to the public. Please get in touch with us to enroll or learn more.
To learn more
Visit these links to learn more about the program
What to expect
Requirements
Most schools in Pierce County have access to Pre-Employment Transition services. To qualify for Pre-Employment Transition services, you must be a student between the ages of 16-21, and have an Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan, or for youth as young as age 14 who are on a transition IEP, and for youth who are “potentially eligible” for Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services.
Federal regulations require that Pre-Employment Transition Services be provided on the basis of the individual needs of each student. Pre-Employment Transition Services are intended to support and enhance, that than supplant school transition services. Pre-Employment Transition Services receieved must be intentional and driven by the student’s vocational goals and interests.
About the Program
The Pre-Employment Transition program was created to help in-school youth make a smooth transition into the working world. In this program, you’ll learn the many skills needed to be a successful employee, all while gaining real-world experience. The program includes:
- Workplace Readiness training
- Individualized work-based learning activities
- 90-hours of paid, work-based learning experiences (during the summer only)
Workplace Readiness Training
Vadis will be delivering DVR-approved curriculum designed to explore and address the following themes:
- Vocational Interests and Skills
- Building a Resume
- Building Your Profile – Cover Letters, References, and Letters of Recommendation
- Finding a Job using S.M.A.R.T. Goals
- Submitting a Job Application
- Interviewing – From Start to Finish
- Mock Interviews
- You’re Hired! Adulting 101
- Best Practices, Attitude, & Behavior
- Work-Life Balance
Work-Based Learning Activities
Individual Work Based Learning Activities are defined as activities which take place away from the traditional school setting that teach a student about various occupations and workplaces that are based on their vocational interests, including Job Site Tours, Job Shadow Visits, and Informational Interviews.
Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences
Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences means activities where a student is placed into a competitive, integrated work setting where they get paid the Washington State or local minimum wage, whichever is higher, to perform a non-permanent job at an employer’s worksite in accordance with Washington State Teen Worker Rules established by the State Department of Labor and Industries.
These services are made possible by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
DVR services are provided by State and Federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Funds. The VR program typically receives 78% in Federal funds and 22% in State funds. For detailed information on the dollar amount of Federal Funds for the program, please visit https://rsa.ed.gov/programs.cfm?pc=basic-vr&sub=awards.