Life Transition Project

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Life Transition Project (LTP) creates a web of connections between WTS, schools, employers, and community leaders. Together we create job opportunities for youth who are making the transition from school to work. By making public and private resources accessible, we help youth reach their full potential.

A unique benefit of LTP is one-on-one coaching with WTS Career Transition Specialists. With every youth, we assess their career interests using Myers-Brigg career report, develop their career goals designed to produce self-sufficiency, equip them with effective job search skills, provide interview coaching, resume/reference/cover letter writing, and post-placement support and evaluation.

Our Objectives:

• Establish a system that provides job placement opportunities for disabled youth.
• Build a model that provides a framework for bridging the experience of disabled youth with the experience of employers through mentorship.
• Ensure involvement by youth participants in career and self-sufficiency planning at each step of the service delivery system.
• Integrate the expertise of private sector and unions in the development of training opportunities that lead to skill enhancement.
• Develop short term training programs and project activities to benefit project youth and promote career advancement.
• Provide comprehensive case management and a continuum of project follow-up services to ensure an understanding of career advancement, wage progression, job retention, and movement towards self- sufficiency.
  

Life Skills Curriculum

A six-session curriculum that enables youth to explore and link career goals to their personal and academic interests and pursue a career that is in line with their expectations for the future. The curriculum includes educational information and hands-on activities to help youth increase self understanding, improve communication skills, enhance job searching strategies such as interview skills and ways to keep a job. The curriculum is presented by WTS staff with the participation of employers through the Employer Mentorship Program.

Thanks to the generous donation from Moquin Press Inc. of Belmont CA., the printing of Life Skills Curriculum workbooks was made possible. To purchase your own copy of Life Skills Curriculum, please contact WTS at (650) 622-9013 or send an email to info@worktran.com.

Employer Mentorship Program

With the support and training from WTS staff, employers are recruited from the community as Employer Mentors to participate in the classroom presentation of Life Skills Curriculum throughout San Mateo County. Employer Mentors play an important role in assisting in career development and training for at-risk high school students. They serve as professional role models for youth who are interested and ready to work. Their experience as employers provides valuable insight to industry-specific requirements, employer expectations, workplace communications, and career advancement. This program provides tremendous inspiration for youth to seek employement and training to trainsition beyond adolescense.

As an employer, you can make a significant contribution by participating in several ways:

• Talk about career opportunities and work environemnt at your business to youth in local schools.
• Provide tours of your facility.
• Volunteer time as an Employer Mentor to present Life Skills Curriculum with our staff in the classroom.
• Provide designated scholarships for youth to attend college with specialization in your organization's field of expertise.
• Conduct mock interviews and facilitate discussions on how to look for a job and how to survive in the workplace.
• Share personal experience on what it means to work in a satisfying career.

By becoming an Employer Mentor, you:

• Positively impact the life of a young person, which can last a lifetime.
• Serve as a role model to inspire youth to better themselves and their future.
• Gain access to pre-screened job applicants eager to work for your organization.