Our Work Experience Program is an invaluable part of students’ Instructional Plans and their maturation toward becoming productive members of their community. The Work Experience Program provides students 14 and older with an introduction to basic work ethic skills that they can master independently over a period of time. Students in this program apply what they have learned in the classroom either at a worksite location in the community or in an in-school setting (e.g., cafeteria).

 

Students in this program are under the guidance of a Job Coach for 1 to 2 hours each week at a local worksite or in school to practice skills learned. Job Coach Donna Malone (we are currently interviewing for a second Job Coach) to help students master learned skills and acquire new skills throughout the course of the Work Experience Program. Tasks are aligned with goals that are outlined in the student’s Instructional Plan (IP).

 

Becoming familiar with the work environment, learning new skills and adapting to education in a non-classroom setting are big steps for Mercy students. Thus, the ultimate goal of the Work Experience Program is to increase a student’s skills for independent working which will increase the chances of him or her finding meaningful employment after graduation.

 

We are grateful to the following companies who graciously serve as worksites through the Work Experience Program:

• ABE Doors & Windows

• ATAS International, Inc.

• Boscov's

• Gillespie/Allegra PrintingHoly Family Senior Living

• Just Born

• Parkettes

• Outback Steakhouse

• St. Paul Roman Catholic Church

• St. Thomas More School

• Yocco's