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UCP Launches Employment Training Center!
In Shelby County, approximately two-thirds of working age, capable adults with disabilities are unemployed or under-employed. In response to this issue, United Cerebral Palsy has developed a job readiness program to give people with disabilities the opportunity to build essential skill sets and gain hands-on work experience.
Established in September of this year, the Employment Training Center focuses on developing skills for the workplace including: Job readiness, attendance, work attitude, communication and job search and survival skill. Program participants, many of whom have never worked, attend classes five hours a day, five days a week. Skills are developed in the areas of food service and computer administrative work which are career interest areas for the program’s graduates.
At the end of the training cycle, students use their skills in ‘stimulated’ workplace environments, by completing work assignments under the guidance and direction of UCP staff. At the conclusion of work assignments, participants are able to consult their VR counselors to discuss potential job placements. Steven Upshaw, a student in the program, recommends the ETC to everyone who is in need of job-readiness training. “My experience here at the ETC was inspiring, fun, and educational. I’ve learned how to cook, do different types of things on the computer, how to communicate with others, and how to live an independent life. This is a good program because it helps people who can’t work, work,” says Upshaw.
Eighteen students were referred to the program by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors and are expected to complete all training requirements by December of this year. UCP plans to continue building this program to empower those with disabilities for job success and to stimulate their individual and professional growth and development.
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