Transition Work Experience Program

The goal of the Transition Work Experience Program is to give high school and college students the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience that can be applied to their future vocational goals and employment. The program provides students the opportunity to learn the responsibilities and rewards of holding a job and demonstrates to them that they can work competitively and independently.

In the Transition Work Experience program, students will receive training in the areas of:

• Problem solving
• Social skills
• Positive work behaviors
• Money management
• Resume writing
• Interviewing

Through the program, students can gain work opportunities in the areas of:

• Volunteering
• Entry-level work (grocery store, fast food, etc.)
• Career-focused work
• Internships

The program provides work experiences to blind and visually impaired youth comparable to that of their sighted peers. Where necessary, job coaching assistance will be provided.

Program Length

This is a year-round program, and students may participate for one or more years, depending on their needs. The majority of the activities and training are tailored to the participants' home or college communities, but group workshops, camps, and other venues will be held at various times and locations throughout the state.

Who is eligible?

Those individuals interested in participating in the Transition Work Experience program must be clients of the vocational rehabilitation program and be between the ages of 16 and 24 with limited or no prior work experience.

If you need more information or would like to participate in the Department's Transition Work Program, contact your vocational rehabilitation counselor  at (800) 281-1333.

*Statistic taken from: http://www.dsb.wa.gov/whoWeAre/YESprogram.htm#contentTop