Pre-Employment
Transition Services
Helping students explore careers, build workplace skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for greater independence after high school.
View Pre-ETS ServicesPreparing Students for What Comes Next
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help students with disabilities explore career options, develop workplace skills, gain real-world experiences, and prepare for life after high school. Through individualized and hands-on opportunities, students can build the skills and confidence needed to pursue employment, education, training, and greater independence.
Job Exploration Counseling
Students can explore careers, identify interests and strengths, learn about different career pathways, and begin connecting their skills and interests to potential employment opportunities.
- Career Awareness
- Career Exploration Activities
- Career Speakers
- Career-Focused Organizations
- Career-Focused Activities
Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning gives students opportunities to gain practical experience and better understand what it is like to participate in a workplace.
- Job Shadowing
- Internships
- Work Experiences
- Service Learning
- Volunteer Experiences
Postsecondary Counseling
Students receive guidance as they explore what comes after high school and consider options that align with their career and personal goals.
- Career Clusters
- Postsecondary Education Options
- Training Opportunities
- Transition Planning
- Strategies for a Successful Transition
Workplace Readiness Training
Workplace readiness training focuses on the skills students need to successfully navigate employment and greater independence.
- Social and Interpersonal Skills
- Communication
- Independent Living Skills
- Financial Literacy
- Essential Workplace Skills
- Professional Behaviors
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy helps students understand their strengths, needs, rights, and choices while developing the confidence to speak up for themselves.
- Self-Awareness
- Decision-Making
- Self-Determination
- Disability Disclosure
- Advocacy Skills
- Understanding Personal Needs and Goals
Who Can Participate?
In Tennessee, Pre-Employment Transition Services are available to students with a documented disability who meet eligibility requirements.
Students must:
- Be between the ages of 14 and 21
- Be enrolled in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized educational program
- Qualify for and participate in an IEP or 504 Plan
- Have a need for Pre-Employment Transition Services
Eligibility and participation are subject to Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation requirements.
Why Pre-ETS?
Explore
Discover interests, strengths, and career possibilities.
Experience
Participate in hands-on activities and learn about real-world work environments.
Prepare
Build workplace, communication, independent living, and other essential skills.
Advocate
Develop confidence in communicating needs, making decisions, and speaking up for oneself.
Plan
Explore employment, education, training, and other opportunities after high school.
Interested in Being Part of Vocational Rehabilitation Tennessee?
Learn more about Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services, including available services, eligibility information, and resources for students preparing for life after high school.
Visit Vocational Rehabilitation Tennessee