Employment - Career Preparation

Career preparation and work-based learning is experience and instruction that occurs in the community, or brings community partners to the classroom, to help youth develop confidence in making informed choices about their future employment goals. This section focuses on engaging students in career exploration, career preparation, job search, and employment. Evidence-based practices that have proven effective in preparing youth for employment are career awareness, vocational education, and work experience.

Transition Planning: The Basics (PDF; 54MB)
Career preparation and work-based learning are referenced on pages 12-21 and page 26 of this guide.

These pages also provide information on how to comply with elements 1-6 of the Indicator 13 requirements of the California Annual Performance Report (APR) .

Career Exploration

California CareerZone
The CareerZone provides career exploration assessments that link students to over 900 occupations, with details that include preparation needed to enter an occupation, the median California salary and much more.

Connect Ed’s Work-based Learning (PDF)
This comprehensive resource provides clarity for teachers, partners, and others who are seeking to implement a system of high-quality, outcomes-driven work-based learning for students. It defines a set of activities and outcomes ranging from career awareness to career preparation.

Road Trip Nation
Videos of informational interviews, curriculum resources and strategies to research career opportunities.

Jobs Made Real
A website of videos and career information developed by teens for teens.

National Youth Employment Coalition
The National Youth Employment Coalition is designed to give youth a full range of educational, developmental, vocational, economic and social opportunities that they may need to become a productive and self-sufficient individual in society. The website offers resources such as career exploration and educational opportunities for students, parents, and teachers that would be useful throughout the transition process from high school to the post-secondary environment.

DOR Student Services
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) offers pre-employment transition services (known as DOR Student Services in California) to all students with disabilities in California who are eligible or potentially eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These provide job exploration and other services in the early stages of the transition process to assist students with disabilities to begin to identify and prepare for postsecondary education and employment.

Career Preparation

Career Technical Education Programs
Programs of study that involve a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.

Regional Occupational Centers & Programs
ROCPs are designed to provide quality career preparation and technical education. ROCP provides training, industry certifications and links to employment opportunities. Many courses are dual enrollment courses. Students receive high school or community college credit.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Planning
This article helps high school students plan for careers and lists resources to assist with job seeking, career exploration, and more.

Employment Resources

California Department of Rehabilitation
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.

California Department of Developmental Services

California Conservation Corps (CCC)
Offers students employment and continuing education opportunities protecting and restoring California’s environment and responding to disasters, becoming stronger workers, citizens and individuals through their service. Some CCC sites offer residential services.

Disability Benefits
Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment. Users can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.

Job Corps
A free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.

AskEARN
Connects employers with national networks of available job seekers in order to support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with disabilities. The site also includes soft skills tips, including interview and resume tutorials.

Entrepreneurship
The Small Business Association (SBA) has an array of resources and information to assist individuals with disabilities start a business.

Join the Military
A one stop central information system for students who are interested in joining the military.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test (ASVAB)
Test required for joining the military.