Focus of our training

The goal of the Employment Ready program is to deliver a comprehensive and personalized job training and readiness program that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. It also focuses on community integration and ongoing employment support.  The program incorporates résumé building, interview preparation, and workplace collaboration. Participants will also engage with local libraries and companies to gain exposure to real-world employment environments and understand how people work and collaborate.  

flexibility

dependability

the value of teamwork

attitude

self-motivation

work ethic

Week 1: Introduction to Employment Ready 

Objective: Understand employment readiness, explore personal career goals, and learn about available resources.  

Session 1: Mon - Tues 

• Introduction to the program  

• Overview of employment readiness skills  

• Discuss participants’ personal employment goals and interests  

• Introduction to disability employment resources and support networks  

• Guest Speaker: Local disability employment advocate  

• Homework: Research potential careers of interest and list companies you’d like to visit.  

Session 2:  Wed - Fri 

 • Setting career goals: Short-term vs. long-term  

• Barriers to employment for people with disabilities/immigrants/veterans and overcoming them  

• Overview of assistive technology and accommodations in the workplace  

• Tour of assistive technology in the classroom  

• Homework: List any accommodations or assistive technology you might need for employment.  

Week 2: Résumé Building and Cover Letters  

Objective: Learn how to build a strong résumé and write compelling cover letters tailored to potential employers.  

Session 1: Mon - Wed 

• Introduction to résumé formats and styles  

• Tailoring résumés for specific job roles • Highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the job market  

• Activity: Start building a personal résumé with one-on-one coaching • Homework: Draft a rough résumé to be reviewed in the next session.  

Session 2:  Thurs - Fri 

• Introduction to cover letters: Structure, tone, and tailoring  

• How to emphasize strengths and explain gaps in employment, if applicable  

• Activity: Write a draft of a cover letter with feedback  

• Homework: Finalize résumé and cover letter drafts.  

• Library Visit: • Guided visit to the local library to explore career resources  

• Use library databases and job search engines  

• One-on-one résumé reviews with a librarian or career counselor  

Week 3: Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation  

Objective: Equip participants with effective job search strategies and interview skills.  

Session 1:  M - T 

• Job search techniques: Using online job boards, networking, and local resources  

• Navigating employment platforms for people with disabilities  

• Mock job search activity: Searching for job openings and applying  

• Homework: Apply for at least one job online.  

Session 2: W - F 

• Preparing for job interviews: Common questions and responses  

• Disclosure of disability or difficulties during interviews: Pros and cons  

• Role-playing mock interviews  

• Handling workplace accommodations during interviews  

• Activity: Pair up for practice interviews and feedback sessions  

• Library Visit: • Follow-up with library career center to practice interview skills and mock interviews  

Week 4: Workplace Etiquette and Communication  

Objective: Learn workplace communication, collaboration, and etiquette in professional settings.  

Session 1: M - T 

• Understanding workplace culture and professional behavior  

• Effective communication with colleagues and supervisors  

• Conflict resolution and problem-solving in the workplace  

• Activity: Role-playing scenarios to practice communication and collaboration skills • Homework: Reflect on communication challenges you’ve faced and how to overcome them in future workplaces.  

Session 2: W - F 

• Focus on teamwork and collaboration: How to work effectively in teams • Introduction to remote collaboration tools (Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams).   

• Day visit to a coffee shop to study collaboration and teamwork.   

• How to request workplace accommodations for communication and collaboration needs  

Week 5: Company Visits and Job Shadowing  

Objective: Gain real-world experience by visiting companies and learning about different job roles.  

Session 1: M - F 

• Preparing for company visits: What to look for and how to observe effectively 

• Introduction to job shadowing: What it is and how it can help your career development • Activity: Develop a list of questions for company employees and managers  

• Company Visit: • Tour a local company to observe work environments  

• Opportunity to shadow employees and see how teams collaborate  

• Observe how employees communicate and handle workplace responsibilities  

• Follow-up discussion on workplace culture and personal insights from the visit  

• Homework: Write a reflection on your experience and how it informs your career goals.  

Week 6: Finalizing Employment Ready 

Objective: Review key learning points and finalize résumés, cover letters, and interview skills.  

Session 1: M - W 

• Review and revise résumés and cover letters based on feedback from earlier sessions • Final interview preparation: Conducting final mock interviews  

• One-on-one coaching to finalize job search strategies  

• Homework: Apply for two jobs and document the process.  

Session 2: Th - F 

• Wrap-up session: Review personal career goals and progress  

• Overview of support networks post-program  

• Q&A session with industry professionals and program alumni  

Week 7: Ongoing Support and Networking  

Objective: Continue providing support for participants and connect them with local employment networks.  

Session 1: M - W 

• Building a professional network: Using LinkedIn and other tools  

• Staying motivated in the job search process • Establishing mentorship or peer support groups  

Session 2: Th - F 

• Guest panel: Employers who hire people with disabilities/immigrants/veterans share insights  

• Open forum for participants to ask questions and share experiences Key Accommodations and Accessibility  

• All sessions will be provided with transportation to company visits and library sessions and any other visits related to the program.  

• Individualized support for résumé and cover letter building  

• Quiet spaces for participants needing sensory breaks during sessions.  This curriculum focuses on both practical job readiness skills and real-world exposure, ensuring that participants feel confident as they enter the job market. 

This program recycles upon ccompletion