School-to-Career Transitions

For School Personnel and Parents of School-Age Students

Philosophy and History

We strongly believe in providing effective services to assist students or young people smoothly transition into the world of work and adulthood.

We have operated community based vocational services for over 30 years and have worked with every school district and high school in Berkshire County. We have assisted hundreds of students with disabilities successfully transition from school to work.

Funding

• Local School Districts
• Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
• Grants
• Private Pay (sliding fee based on need)

The Services We Provide

Our comprehensive, individualized community-based services include

• Vocational Assessments: Comprehensive, individualized assessments of a person’s skills, aptitudes, and interests used for vocational planning.
• Job Development and Placement: Connecting students with competitive, integrated employment opportunities. Additional services including job coaching, career planning, assistance with searching and applying for jobs, and attending local community events such as job fairs.
• School to Career Classes: Includes four components –
  • Job Exploration Counselling
  • Workplace Readiness Training
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Post-Secondary Education
• Employment Follow Along: Ongoing support and communication with the individual and their employer to ensure job stability and success.
• Transition Life Skills Placement: The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) offers Transition services to help individuals move from the school system to adult life.
• Travel Training: Ride along support for the student to gain the skills necessary to independently utilize transportation services.
• On the Job Skills Training: A Skills Trainer within the Department of Developmental Services assists individuals in community and home-based activities as well as on the job support and training.
• Extended Supports: Individualized follow-up services with the individual and employer to resolve any issues as they arise to ensure the individual maintains their employment.

Goal – To assist high school students to prepare for the “world of work and adulthood” by providing career counseling, work readiness training, and work based learning experiences (internships).

Eligibility – Berkshire County high school student, ages 16 to 24 currently enrolled in high school, or post-secondary education.

Contact:

Pam Kight

pkight@bcarc.org or 413-499-4241 ext. 103