Transition & Pre-Employment Services (Pre-ETS)
Helping students with disabilities get ready for work, and for life after school.
Pre-ETS stands for Pre-Employment Transition Services. We work with students, families, school districts, and transition teams to explore careers, build work skills, and plan a personal path to a job.
- Who it's for
- Students and young people with disabilities preparing to leave school
- Who we work with
- Families, school districts, and transition teams
- Eligibility
- Set by your state's vocational rehabilitation program. We can help you check.
Who it helps
Students
Young people with disabilities who want to explore what kind of work suits them and build skills before they leave school.
Families
Parents and caregivers who want a clear picture of the options after school, and a team that keeps them informed along the way.
Schools and transition teams
School districts and transition staff who want a partner to deliver career-readiness services alongside their own planning.
What's included
Every student's plan is different. Pre-ETS usually combines these kinds of support.
1. Career exploration
Discover jobs and industries that match your interests through activities, conversations, and visits.
2. Work-based learning
Try real work in a real workplace, with support, so you learn what you enjoy and what you're good at.
3. Self-advocacy training
Practice explaining your strengths and asking for the support and accommodations you need.
4. Workplace readiness
Build everyday work skills such as communication, teamwork, and managing your time.
5. A personal path to employment
We plan with your school district and transition team, so the next step after school is clear.
Terms you may hear
Full glossary in Resources- Pre-ETS
- Pre-Employment Transition Services. Career-readiness services for students with disabilities, before they leave school.
- VR
- Vocational rehabilitation. State programs that help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep work.
- Transition team
- The school staff, family, and student who plan together for life after school.
- Self-advocacy
- Speaking up for yourself: knowing your strengths and asking for what you need.
How to get started
- Step 1
Reach out
A student, family member, or school contact sends us a message or calls.
- Step 2
Meet the team
We talk with the student and their transition team about interests, goals, and timing.
- Step 3
Build the plan
Together we choose activities and experiences for the school year, and check in on progress.