UW Employment Program

Pre-Employment Transition Services

What is Pre-Employment Transition?

Changes to the Rehabilitation Act Amendments in 2014 allow vocational rehabilitation agencies, like the UW Employment Program, to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 plans, even if they are not eligible for DVR services, with pre-employment transition services designed to be a jump start for students with disabilities as they explore the transitional space between school and integrated employment.

With the ultimate goal of maximizing student potential upon graduation, the UW Employment Program provides services for work-based learning and work readiness contracts through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

If you are unsure of your eligibility for DVR programs, please contact your local DVR office.

Currently, we support two Pre-Employment Transition (Pre-ETS) Services:

Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE)

Pre-Employment Transition Services Workplace Readiness Training (WRT)

Build students’ confidence in the world of work by gaining real-world experience and wages before graduation. WBLE services vary in weekly hours and duration and context, ranging from job shadowing, workplace tours, informational interviews, or paid internships (11+ hours per week).

Often operating with WBLE, WRT prepares students entering the world of work and for independent living through soft skills training, time management, financial literacy, mock interviews, resume building, and advocacy through on-site workplace readiness trainings. 

Potential contract durations for both WBLE and WRT:
• Option A is 4-6 weeks 
• Option B is 7-9 weeks 
• Option C is 10-12 weeks