PWI
“The School to Work program was helpful with the simple stuff that you take for granted, like preparing for an interview, learning what to wear, how to act and what to say. I learned that you have to do research on a company before the interview. I learned how to present myself.”
– Eileen Benoit,
School to Work Program
Learning about different career options and obtaining valuable work exposure is critical for anyone about to enter the working world. Young people with disabilities can gain valuable training and guidance in obtaining meaningful work through the School to Work program.
Who is eligible for the PWI program
Individuals who are eligible include those who are:
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Ages 16 – 21 and have a disability
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Eligible for services through the N.H. Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) offices in Concord, Nashua and Manchester
How the School to Work program assists youth
Youth can access a wide range of career exploration, vocational development activities, pre-employment skills training and post-employment services such as:
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Résumé development
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Interviewing
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Networking
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Career guidance and counseling
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Job shadows and tours
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Informational interviews
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Assistance with job search process
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Information and training on job-keeping skills
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Support and training on the job
How to access the School to Work Program
Please contact GSIL for a referral to the School to Work program. Once you are referred, we will contact you to set up an initial meeting with a GSIL specialist and a VR Counselor to determine your career goals and to help you develop a career plan. We will meet with you weekly until you are successfully employed. During these meetings, you will receive assessment activities, initial skill development, and job development and placement services.
Program follow-up services
After completing the program, you will also receive follow-up services, including:
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Quarterly career bulletins for two years
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Use of the School to Work program for résumé updates
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Interviewing assistance
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Career advancement strategies
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Use of our office computers and other career resources
Benefits of the School to Work program
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Learn from local business people
The School to Work program works in close collaboration with New Hampshire businesses through our Business Advisory Councils (BACs). Active in all three offices (Concord, Manchester and Nashua), the BACs consist of representatives from the Department of Employment Security, local school systems and business leaders in industries including service and hospitality, banking, retail, hospitals and high technology. The BACs will assist you with-
Learning effective job placement strategies
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Participating in informational and mock interviews
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Networking with a variety of businesses and business leaders
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Use our experience to your advantage
Through our School to Work service coordinators, you can access an abundance of knowledge and resources regarding careers and vocational development. Our staff has over 20 years of experience in placing students into meaningful, competitive employment, and we are eager to put that experience to work for you. -
Work with people who understand you
Our School to Work service coordinators have a close relationship with many schools in the Manchester, Nashua and Concord areas. This collaboration provides you with a better assessment of your skill level and the best possible career-driven job placements.
For more information about the School to Work program, call 603-624-0600.