FOCUS Employment Training Program
A vocational rehabilitation service provider to assist young people with developmental
disabilities to learn job readiness skills and increase independence.
The Project Focus Employment Training Program was launched in the fall of 2024. As the Focus family of programs expands, Project Focus has been designated as a Vocational Rehabilitation Vendor. This allows us to offer essential work training skills to young individuals with developmental disabilities through our Work Readiness Training (WRT) program.
What is Work Readiness Training?
Work Readiness Training (WRT) is designed to prepare students with the basic skills that are necessary for finding and maintaining a job. Trainings include interactive instruction on:
- Resume Writing
- Interviewing Skills
- Searching for and Applying for Jobs Online
- Finding and Completing Job Applications
- Effective Communication with Employers and Colleagues
- Appropriate Body Language
- Characteristics of Good Hygiene
- Personal Safety for Work
- Situational Awareness
- Internet Safety
WRT is 20-hours of interactive, in-person training and experiential activities, referred from and paid for by the Florida Department of Rehabilitation Counseling.
For high school seniors and transition students, Work Readiness Training can be the first step in their journey in gaining work readiness skills.
Who qualifies?
- 18-21 years of age
- A high school senior, Transition program student, or part of another postsecondary
school program. - Have a documented disability (individual education plan (IEP), individual plan for
employment (IPE), 504 Plan, or other acceptable documentation). - Currently enrolled in Vocational Rehabilitation through the state of Florida.
How do I sign up?
Current Vocational Rehabilitation customers must request a referral for the Focus WRT program from their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Students not currently enrolled into Vocational Rehabilitation can apply with a referral through
Focus Academy or independently. More information on this process for students and adults can
be found here.
https://www.rehabworks.org/student-youth/student-steps.html
https://rehabworks.org/customers/vr-steps.html
Find your local VR office here: https://rehabworks.org/contact/area4.html
What are the benefits of Work Readiness Training with Project Focus?
- Training meets after school on the Focus Academy campus, once a week for 20 weeks,
which gives students time to learn new skills, put them into practice, and build their
resume without interrupting their school day. - Unlike the majority of work readiness training programs, The Project Focus WRT is
developed specifically for young adults with varying cognitive, and developmental
disabilities, similar to our student population. The curriculum is developed around an
understanding of the strengths and skill sets of the Focus Academy students and how
they can be utilized to prepare the students for future employment. - It’s free! WRT is paid for through the Florida State Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation.
