Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Did you know that vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are required to provide services to students with disabilities in order to prepare them for future employment?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted in 2014, mandates Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which may be provided through VR agencies, contracted community partners, or even schools.

And importantly, Pre-ETS services are available to all students with disabilities, not just those on IEPs.

There are five key components of Pre-ETS:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Helps students understand various career options and what is required for different jobs.
2. Work-Based Learning Experiences: Provides opportunities for students to gain practical, hands-on work experience through internships, job shadowing, or apprenticeships.
3. Counseling on Post-Secondary Education: Assists students in exploring post-secondary education options, such as college or vocational training, and understanding the necessary steps to achieve their educational goals.
4. Workplace Readiness Training: Focuses on developing essential skills needed for employment, such as communication, problem-solving, and social skills.
5. Instruction in Self-Advocacy: Teaches students how to advocate for themselves, including understanding their rights and responsibilities, and how to request accommodations in the workplace or educational settings.

Pre-ETS benefits students in several ways:

• Enhances students’ understanding of career and education options
• Provides exposure to real-world work environments
• Develops essential soft skills required for employment
• Helps promote confidence and independence
• Supports a smoother transition from school to adulthood

By participating in Pre-ETS, students with disabilities can better prepare for their future, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their career and life goals.

If you want more information about Pre-ETS in any state, you can try some of the following steps:

1. Visit your state VR web site: https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states
2. Google it! Use key terms like “Pre-Employment Transition Services [state name]”
3. See if your state department of education or special education agency has information about Pre-ETS on their web site
4. Ask your local school district

About the Author
Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS, is an expert transition specialist and national speaker with over 20 years of experience supporting youth and young adults with diverse developmental and learning abilities. Since 2013, she has served as Director of Transition Services at NESCA, offering individualized transition assessments, planning, consultation, coaching, and program development. She specializes in working with students with complex profiles who may not engage with traditional testing tools or programs. Ms. Challen holds a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Hispanic Studies from The College of William and Mary, along with a Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Risk and Prevention Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is a member of CEC, DCDT, and COPAA, believing it’s vital for all IEP participants to have accurate information about transition planning. Ms. Challen has also been actively involved in the MA DESE IEP Improvement Project, mentored candidates in UMass Boston’s Transition Leadership Program, and co-authored a chapter in Technology Tools for Students with Autism.

To schedule an appointment with one of NESCA’s transition specialists, please complete our online intake form. 

NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, NY (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.