by Denise Watson, The Glenhome School
Find Vocational Training Options
across the United States...
As parents begin planning for their high school student's post-secondary goals, it is essential to remember the concept that a post-secondary education is not always synonymous with a college experience. There are numberless venues where education takes place after high school, many of which veer from the traditional four-year university route.
One such option is vocational training. Many young people find the transition from a structured high school atmosphere to an
adult life of a career or college to be challenging. This is particularly true for young men and women with special needs and those on the autism spectrum. Vocational training can help ease the difficulties of this change. Post-secondary vocational programs are designed to instruct high school graduates and potentially fifth-year students in a specific trade or generic skill set that will prepare them for entering into the work-force.
Myriad areas of vocation training are suitable for young adults with special needs. Job shadowing and internships are common
and instruction concentrations may include child care, culinary arts, retail store operations, library assistance, information technologies, automotive repair, nursing or elder care assistance, hospitality, landscaping and construction. The real-life work situations provided in various vocational settings can provide access to valuable skills for autonomy and self-reliance.
Some vocational or career training programs provide opportunities to practice applying and interviewing for jobs, direction on meeting the requirements of employment and guidance on maintaining positive work relationships. Others may offer additional development opportunities to strengthen independent living skills such as money management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, meal preparation, managing medications, and navigating area transit.
There is much research and evidence that demonstrates vocational training pays off. For many young people part-time and full-time work is their primary responsibility after high school. Both occupationally specific skills and generic technical skills taught and learned in vocation programs can increase productivity and offer opportunities for skills transfer, as well as improve job access and employment stability.
Productive and satisfying employment empowers all young people to feel they are valuable members of their community. Studies indicate many organizations that employ individuals with special needs find them as responsible and productive as other employees. They are often found to be devoted workers who are dedicated to their profession. A vocational program may present the ideal opportunity for young people with special needs and individuals on the Autism Spectrum to potentially find their true call and ultimately their personal path to a successful career.
It is essential to begin the post-secondary planning process for your high school junior or senior early, particularly if your child has special needs. Check with your school for career planning events, identify a realistic transition plan, explore opportunities that suit your child's specific needs and keep an open mind to the many vocational training opportunities. Many young people can benefit tremendously from the structured learning opportunities available to them through post-secondary vocation training programs.