Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Definitions

This document defines each of the five Pre-ETS service areas and provides some examples of service activities in each.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Definitions

Job Exploration Counseling

Job exploration counseling helps students explore different careers. It includes activities that encourage students to interact with others, engage in meaningful tasks, and reflect on their career interests. By participating, students will learn more about job opportunities and find out what careers might suit them best.

Example activities:

Complete vocational interest inventories and review the results with a teacher or parent.
Watch videos featuring speakers discussing different career fields.
Discuss the labor market and available jobs in your area.
Research educational requirements and job requirements for different careers.
Discuss non-traditional employment options like teleworking and self-employment.

Work-based Learning

Work-based learning offers opportunities for students to practice and improve their workplace skills in real job settings before they finish high school. Experiences can take place in-school or after-school, as well as outside of school (like internships).

Example activities:

Job shadow experiences
Tour businesses to learn about job skills
School-based job training experiences
Volunteer activities that match student career interests
Paid work experiences in the community

Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities

Counseling on postsecondary education options helps students prepare for postsecondary education. It includes instruction on the different types of postsecondary education options, college courses, how to apply to college, and the admissions process. It also explains when and how to apply for financial aid and other resources to help students succeed in postsecondary education settings, such as college disability services.

Example activities:

Lead or be an active participant in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
Choose classes that are interesting and challenging and that relate to postsecondary goals
Talk to parents, school counselors, or teachers about job and education goals, study programs, college admissions, and required tests
Schedule a meeting with disability services to explore accommodations at a college of interest

Workplace Readiness Training

Workplace readiness training helps students with disabilities develop social and independent living skills. These include communication, financial literacy, transportation and community navigation, job seeking, and understanding what employers expect. Students will learn about being on time and performing well at work. The services under this Pre-ETS category may include lessons and activities in which students can practice and use what they learn.

Example activities:

Develop resumes or one-page profiles
Practice interview skills
Develop time-management, soft skills, and other employment-related skills
Understand and engage with transportation options
Strengthen Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills

Instruction in Self-Advocacy

Instruction in self-advocacy helps students learn about their rights and responsibilities. This Pre-ETS category is focused on empowering students to communicate their thoughts, concerns, and needs, and disclose their disability. Finally, instruction in self-advocacy equips students to advocate for accommodations, services, support, and assistive technology they might need at work or in college.

Example activities:

Learn about and practice disability disclosure
Strengthen decision-making and problem-solving skills
Set goals for personal success and engage in self-monitoring
Understand and advocate for the accommodations in college, the workplace, and beyond
Complete self-assessments to learn more about interests and aptitudes
Participate in student-directed IEP transition planning

Career education

Social interaction skills

Self-determination