Humboldt County Office of Education: TPP/Workability

To assist students with barriers to employment to become competitive in the world of work. These students meet the following criteria:

• High School Students Age 16-21
• Qualify for Department of Rehabilitation Student Services
• Want to prepare for future employment
• Are available to participate
• Would benefit from the program

• Counseling on Post-Secondary Education
• Assessments and Research on Careers
• Counseling on Job Exploration
• Coaching in Self-Advocacy
• Coaching in Work Readiness
• Preparing Resumes and Completing Job Applications
• Learning Job Seeking Skills
• On-the-Job Training
• Work-based Learning Placements
• Interview Practice and Work Clothing Advice
• Providing Bus Passes
• Assistance in Obtaining Employment Documents
• Providing Clothing Needed for Work
• Referrals to Support Services, such as Community Agencies, Colleges, and Career Technical Training Programs

• Potential Federal and State Tax Credits
• Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Coverage
• Subsidized, Short-term Workers
• Job Ready, Entry Level Employees

“I love helping young adults figure out the direction they want to take for themselves, it’s really rewarding.”

–Frances Stinson, Fortuna/Ferndale Veterinary

“Angels of Hope shares TPP’s vision and goal of preparing young people to enter the work force with all the skills they need to succeed. Partnering with TPP has been a rewarding and wonderful experience. We love seeing young people gain confidence and walk away knowing they will be a valuable addition to any workplace. Our program is enriched by the diverse and talented group of youth we have the pleasure of meeting and working with through TPP.”

–Shannon Hardin, Manager, Angels of Hope

“We have enjoyed mentoring young people in the TPP Program. We have watched students build confidence in themselves by gaining work experience. I have supported the program for many years and will continue to build relationships with these students and help them aspire to the next level of their education or employment.”

–Melissa Hannan, Owner, Ultimate Yogurt & Spotlight Video

The mission of WorkAbility I is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders (students, families, WorkAbility staff, educators, youth-serving organizations, workforce development organizations, post-secondary education and training, and business partners) in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, lifelong learning, and quality of life.

Eligible students may be able to participate in work-based classroom activities such as WoofAbility and paid work training with Workers’ Compensation Coverage provided by the program.

WorkAbility I Menu of Services

School Based Preparatory Experiences

Elements that are commonly part of the school curriculum and/or educational delivery system.

• Career/Vocational Assessments
• Employment/Post-Secondary Education Planning
• Curriculum Integration of Work-Readiness Skills/Contextual Learning
• Career Vocational Education

Career Preparation & Work Based Learning Experiences:

Activities, learning experiences or strategies to increase career awareness, provide students with work-readiness skills and connect the classroom to work and engage in work-based learning experiences.

• Career Awareness / Exploration Activities
• Career Preparation / Job Search
• Work-Based Learning
• Job Development
• Employment / Work Experience
• Job Retention
• Work-Site Mentor / Supervisor
• Job Coach
• Work-Site Follow-Along / Employer Communication

Youth Development & Leadership:

Engage youth in the process of developing self-advocacy and self-determination skills that apply to the classroom and the community. Link students with community agencies that provide support for transition after they leave high school. Engage business partners to advise and support work-based learning opportunities that lead to career readiness.

• Self-Advocacy / Disability Awareness
• Youth Leadership
• Destination / Transportation Training
• Life Skills / Independent Living
• Family Participation & Support of Transition
• Partnership and Collaboration

• Must be ready and willing to participate.
• Must attend school on a regular basis.
• Must follow the program and training site rules and regulations.

It is extremely vital that employers offer opportunities for students to get hands-on experience and interact with the public…being a part of the Workability 1 program supports the future or our youth.

  Seth McGrath, Fortuna Grocery Outlet

Having had the Workability 1 students here for 2 years is a win-win! The students get hands on experience, while we get enthusiastic, helpful young men and women to further complement our already outstanding staff and store.

  TJ Maxx Eureka

It is a pleasure to have the students in the shop. They help us out a lot. It definitely breaks up the day. They all do a great job! All the students are friendly and respectful in our shop.

  AM Hydro Team