Pre-ETS and Vocational Rehabilitation
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Helping Montana's students with disabilities get EDUCATED, CONNECTED, and READY for life, work, and independence!
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Pre-ETS activities provide an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities ages 14-21 to assist with transitioning from school to postsecondary education or employment. Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) works with schools and other organizations across the state to deliver Pre-ETS services.
NOTE: For youth who are NOT STUDENTS, regular vocational rehabilitation services may be available. Contact your local VR office for more information.
- Explore your role in the world of work
- Identifying your interests, skills, and work values
- Participate in job shadows
- Attend career fairs
Schools may consider providing and arranging career exploration curriculum, mentoring programs, guest speakers, career fairs, and exploring career pathways.
- Work experience (paid or unpaid) Volunteering and community services
- Participate in a pre-apprenticeship
- Business tours and employer interviews
School-based activities may include: develop paid work experiences, staff time for job coaching, in-school work experiences, and transportation to and from work sites.
3. Counseling on Post-Secondary Education and Programs
- Investigating career paths
- College programs
- Disability services
- Campus visits
- Short-term and credential-based training
- Registered apprenticeship options
Schools: transportation costs to attend career fairs, guest speakers, staff time to assist with college-related paperwork, STEM-related curriculum, and research support into credentialing/training.
- Soft skills training
- Customer services
- Workplace communication
- Peer mentoring
- Transportation access
- Independent living skills
- Self-advocacy skills
Schools may want to provide instruction on these skills and provide staff time to support peer mentoring and community-based experiences to practice.
- What is important to you?
- Asking for help– when and how
- Communicating needs, wants, and preferences
- Managing conflict and staying safe in personal relationships
- Understanding disability and what it means for you and your life
- Taking a lead in personal decision making
Schools should include self-advocacy skills in all areas of education and planning. Including external resources such as Independent Living Centers, Montana Youth Leadership Forum, and attending the MYT Conference is important.
For more information about Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-ETS services click here or contact:
Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
111 North Last Chance Gulch, Suite 4C
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
1 (877) 296-1197 (toll-free consumer line)
(406) 444-2590 (voice/TTY)
(406) 444-3632 (fax)
Email: vrinfo@mt.gov
