Vocational Services

We are committed to helping youth and adults with disabilities achieve and sustain competitive employment and educational opportunities in their community. College and Employment Opportunities are the foundation for postsecondary success, especially for people with disabilities. We provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS) for students with a disability enrolled in high school or postsecondary program. These vocational services are administered by the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS).

MDW Consulting believes it is important to ensure that all youth and adults have equitable access to services and support to be successful in their postsecondary goals. It is why through CEO Services, we strive to:

Support students and transitioning young adults with employment and education through job exploration counseling and counseling on postsecondary education and training opportunities.
Collaborate with local community colleges and college transition programs to foster wrap-around support for individuals with disabilities in college or vocational training programs
Provide opportunities to explore the world of work and various occupations and career pathways
Coordinate with employers for career exploration through tours and orientation
Provide students with opportunities to practice and improve their workplace skills through job shadowing and career fairs
Coordinate work experience activities through work-based learning
Provide training in self-advocacy skills to help young adults to live a more independent life at school, home and the workplace
Promote activities for self-determination
Establish and maintain collaboration with postsecondary education and community programs to foster a smooth transition into a two- or four-year institution or workforce training program

About Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-ETS is a multifaceted approach to basic employment readiness focusing on personal development and skills enhancement. Through the delivery of quality, pre-employment transition services, a participant will have documented exposure to career counseling, work readiness skills attainment and work-based learning experience that reflect the student’s individual goals, interests, values and strengths. These are proven practices for preparing youth for entry into the workforce or postsecondary education and/or training.

Our Pre-ETS services offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life. Through our collaboration with local schools and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), we work with students with a disability, their families, their schools and community partners to enrich transition planning and to support students with gaining knowledge and experiences necessary so they may make informed decisions about their future. Topics covered through our Pre-ETS program include:

Career exploration
Gaining work experience in the community
Exploring college and career training programs
Self-advocacy to communicate and direct life goals

MDW Consulting offers several Pre-ETS services including: Job Exploration and Workplace Readiness Training, Work-based Learning Experiences, Counseling on Postsecondary Education/Training, and Instruction in Self-Advocacy.

Our Vocational Services Area

MDW Consulting currently provides vocational services in the New River District, serving the counties of Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Halifax, Lunenburg, and Pittsylvania. If your DARS office is interested in learning more about our services, please complete the Service Area Inquiry. We will be happy to assess our ability to support your field office area.