Group Pre-ETS Program Prepares Students with Disabilities for the Workplace
Last fall Cascade Connections quietly introduced a new program serving Whatcom County students enrolled in the Community Transitions Program. The program, called Group Pre-Employment Transitions Services (Group Pre-ETS) is designed to prepare students with disabilities for the workplace. Throughout the school year, students participated in weekly sessions where they developed resumes, practiced interviewing, and explored potential employment opportunities. The curriculum also included lessons on financial management and self-advocacy, intended to help students understand their rights in the workplace.
Group Pre-ETS is a collaboration between Cascade Connections’ Vocational Services Department, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Center for Independence (CFI) and five local high schools – Ferndale, Meridian, Lynden, Mt. Baker, and Blaine. Gregg Hill, longtime Cascade Connections employee, served as the Group Pre-ETS Coordinator, working with teachers and paraeducators to coordinate lessons for over 65 students enrolled in the program.
Each week students gathered from their respective high schools, often at the WECU Educational Center in Ferndale, and learned about the diverse workplace opportunities available to them. Students also took interest tests to help determine what careers might best suit them. From there, workplace learning, job shadowing and even internships were coordinated which allowed students more hands-on experience. These on-the-job learning opportunities helped to build resumes, grow confidence and skills, and prepare students for long-term employment.
According to Vocational Services Administrator, Kristin Nguyen, “the sooner you start talking about what your future will look like, the more successful you’ll be in finding the jobs that you want. We encourage high school students to get jobs and experience while they’re in school, but people with disabilities have often been left out of that.”
The students’ year-long preparation culminated in mock interviews, held at the Cascade Connections Administrative Offices in Ferndale in May. These mock interviews allowed the students an opportunity to experience some real-world scenarios and practice their newly acquired skills in a new environment.
In June, the students gathered for an end-of-year celebration and pizza party. The event was kicked off by a guest speaker, a former group Pre-ETS student and current Cascade Connections customer, Caelan, who works at Park Bowl in Bellingham. Caelan provided a brief overview of his life after school and talked about some of his personal goals for the future. Afterward he answered questions from the audience. Group Pre-ETS coordinator Gregg then addressed the group with a “Year in Review” detailing all the progress the students had made over the course of the program. Finally, each participant was given a certificate of completion.
While Group Pre-ETS is designed to support students with disabilities as they venture into the workplace, families and guardians are often inspired by the growth and independence they observe in their son or daughter. One parent remarked, “I’m super excited for my son to continue to work with your program and so thankful for all you do with youth services.”
Cascade Connections started the Group Pre-ETS program hoping to increase students’ engagement in adult employment services. Statistically, only 51% of students leaving the Community Transitions program were receiving on-going employment services after finishing school. This statistic is staggering. Cascade Connections wanted to do something about it and we did. At the conclusion of this year, we have seen a significant increase in students leaving school connected to the support they need and on the road to a bright future. Group Pre-ETS offers students valuable opportunities, education, and advocacy, helping them access employment services that will allow them thrive in the workplace as adults.