Vocational Services
All students at Genesee Lake School ages 14-21 will receive a vocational assessment to determine their strengths, needs, supports, and interests related to long-term career goals.
Results of the vocational assessment are used to determine where on the vocational progression continuum the needs of each student will best be met. We offer the following vocational opportunities for students:
Career Exploration Center
The Career Exploration Center is a multi-purpose space for students to learn about career pathways within the 16 Career Clusters and practice skills to increase their employability. The specific services offered may vary based on individual needs. These may include:
Career Exploration: Lessons about different career options, labor market trends, and the skills required in various industries.
Workplace Etiquette Training: Teaching essential skills for the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, hygiene, dress code, time management, and professionalism.
Resume Writing and Interview Skills: Supporting students in creating effective resumes, cover letters, and preparing for job interviews.
Peer Mentoring: Connecting students with mentors who have similar experiences or career interests, offering guidance and support.
Structured Skill Development Workshops: Offering workshops that focus on developing specific skills relevant to a particular industry or job role.
Simulated Work Environments: Creating controlled environments that replicate real-world work scenarios, allowing students to practice and apply skills in a safe and structured setting.
On-Site Work Based Learning
Training, learning, and work-based activities provided in this program are for the benefit of the students and an extension of their goals through the IEP or PTP. During work-based learning, students do not receive compensation for work completed because the learning provided meets the following guidelines:
- The primary purpose is education and the activity is primarily for the benefit of the student
- The student performs the activities for time periods of one hour or less per day
- The student is supervised by an adult
The goal and intention of Work-based Learning for the students is to build skills necessary for work, enhance existing skills, and target specific goals for vocational success, ultimately leading to paid community employment. Support staff working with the student will begin to track progress in the following areas:
- Quality of Work
- Attitude and Motivation
- Level of Independence
- Support Method/Level
- Accepting Redirection/Direction
Community Based Job Exploration
Community-Based Job Exploration involves students exploring and gaining exposure to various job opportunities within our local community. Students can explore potential career paths, understand the local job market, and make informed decisions about their future employment. The goal is to provide hands-on experiences and insights into different industries, allowing individuals to assess their interests, skills, and preferences. Opportunities may include:
Workplace Tours: Guided tours of workplaces to familiarize students with the physical layout, organizational culture, and day-to-day operations of different businesses.
Job Shadowing: Students spend a short duration observing professionals at work in different job roles. This allows them to gain firsthand experience and insights into the daily responsibilities and requirements of specific occupations.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering allows students to contribute their time and skills to support causes they are passionate about while gaining valuable experience and making a positive impact on communities.
On Site Paid Internship
Many jobs varying in type and degree have been established throughout the campus of Genesee Lake School, including at Homegrown Farms. These jobs are part of the operation; therefore, students are paid at least minimum wage to complete them. On-site job opportunities include: Environmental Services, Animal Care, Human Services, Clerical, Food Services, and Administrative.
Students enrolled in the Paid Internship Program begin working in an area of their interest/skill level with a two-hour shift per week. Work hours/shifts may increase depending on stamina, motivation, engagement, and opportunity. Students will be accompanied by a job coach who will provide support, identify reasonable accommodations, and teach transferable work skills while encouraging independence. All student vocational information and progress is documented, and updates are provided during each trimester and IEP meeting. Upon discharge, students will receive a comprehensive vocational report to provide a seamless transition into adult services when the time comes.
Community Paid Internship
After the students begin to meet their goals and objectives through the onsite paid internship program, they are offered work in a community setting that matches their career interests. Some of the community sites we have partnered with include: Aurora Hospital (Inventory/Delivery), Lake Country Manufacturing (Manufacturing/Packaging), MOD Pizza (Food Prep/Dishwashing/Custodial), Oconomowoc Library (Page), Lapham Peak- Hausmann Center (Custodial), and MyPath Corporate Offices (Clerical).
For more information about admission to Genesee Lake School, please click here.
For general information about vocational services please contact us.