Questions to Consider Before You Start

• What are your career goals?
• How will you reach these goals?
• What supports and/or resources do you need to reach your vocational goals?

Employment Transition Guide by Age

Aged 10-12

• Complete chores at home
• Explore and discuss what you want to do in the future (dreams)
• Demonstrate the ability to make choices/develop decision-making strategies
• Follow directions and finish what you start

Aged 12-14

• Describe employability skills you may need
• Explore Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program options
• Begin developing a career portfolio – including copies of any required identification
• Engage in community services/volunteering

Aged 14-15

• Continue career exploration – participate in job shadowing
• Continue development of career portfolio – include copies of assessment, work samples, etc. – link this information to your Summary of Performance
• Begin to set post-highschool goals
• Evaluate future financial needs and how these relate to career choices

Aged 15-16

• Continue career exploration – situational assessments
• Continue development of career portfolio – start your resumé development
• Identify and explore all sources of potential employment
• Understand/state what it is that you can bring to an employer
• Understand private/government resources for employment

Aged 16-17

• Continue development of career portfolio – include updates to all documents and work experiences
• Begin narrowing job selection from just “a job to make money” to “a job that interests you”
• State and know how to acquire the accommodation and supports needed for employment
• Discuss what additional training/skills are needed to continue to enhance employment
• Engage in competitive, paid employment

Aged 18-21

• Develop skills for employment/volunteer position sustainability
• Master employability skills
• Acquire the accommodations and supports needed for employment
• Make use of private/government resources for employment
• Explore jobs that interest you and can lead you to your desired career