Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Pre-ETS are services provided to students with disabilities (ages 14–22) to help them explore careers, build skills, and prepare for life after high school. These services are required under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and are funded through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).

The five required Pre-ETS services include

Job Exploration Counseling – Learning about different career paths.

Work-Based Learning Experiences – Paid or unpaid internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or school-based work opportunities.

Workplace Readiness Training – Developing social, communication, independent living, financial literacy, and job-seeking skills.

Instruction in Self-Advocacy – Helping students understand their strengths and needs, and how to communicate them.

· Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities – Exploring options for college or training programs.

Additional activities may include

Attending IEP or transition planning meetings.

Partnering with workforce boards, employers, and schools.

Building community and employer partnerships to expand opportunities.

Vendors (Community Rehabilitation Providers/CRPs) delivering Pre-ETS work in collaboration with schools and VR. They provide at least two instructional units per student each month, document services, and report progress regularly.

Supported Employment Services

Resume writing and application support.

Supported employment services are designed for individuals with disabilities who need ongoing assistance to find and maintain meaningful work in the community. These services include:

Interview practice and job search training.

Job placement assistance.

On-the-job coaching and support.

Long-term follow-up to ensure success and independence.

The goal of supported employment is to help individuals obtain competitive, integrated employment and thrive in the workplace with the supports they need.

What Vendors Can Provide

Pre-ETS (for students, 14–22): Career exploration, workplace readiness training, postsecondary counseling, self-advocacy instruction, and work-based learning opportunities.

In Tennessee, vendors such as Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) can deliver:

· Supported Employment (for adults): One-on-one job coaching, job placement services, application and interview assistance, and ongoing workplace supports.