Vocational Training Services
Vocational Training Program Philosophy
- All individuals have dignity and worth.
- All individuals have the capacity to learn and perform meaningful work.
- All individuals have a need for self-direction.
- Individual achievement depends both on factors from within and opportunity from outside.
- Increased expectations tend to raise levels of individual performance.
- Individual growth and development occur best in realistic settings.
- Experience and practice lead to positive change.
- Nothing motivates an individual more than opportunity.
- Concrete means of achieving and measuring goals must be provided.
- Productivity is measured and rewarded.
The central effort of the Skills Vocational Training Services is to help individuals with disabilities develop positive job skills. Through hard work and commitment, individuals are able to achieve higher self-esteem, build long-lasting relationships, and develop knowledge and independence toward their career goals.
Sheltered Employment
Vocational Training Services staff focus on teaching good workplace attitudes and expectations to prepare individuals for a successful transition into supportive or competitive employment. Each individual earns a paycheck for all work completed. Wages are paid based on a subcontracted piece rate. The more work the individual completes, the more money he or she earns.
Career Guidance
Each person who attends a Vocational Training Facility is assigned a Program Specialist. A Program Specialist assists the individual in developing a career path and guides the individual along the way. Each person has a team to help develop an outcome-based Individualized Support Plan.
Benefits
Each individual attending the Vocational Training Program learns:
- Time management skills
- Getting along with co-workers and supervisors
- Understanding constructive criticism
- Quality of work
- Responsibility
- How to be a good employee
Vocational training
Eligibility and Admissions
To receive services from Skills Vocational Training Services, individuals must be at least 16 years of age and be a person with a disability. Financial sponsorship is usually provided by one or more of the following agencies: Office of Developmental Programs, Office of Mental Health, School Districts, Private Pay.
Vocational Training Facilities and Participant Handbooks
Skills wants each participant to be involved with the purpose, progress, and outcomes of services he or she receives. Skills Participant Handbooks act as a guide for the individual by explaining the vocational training program and his or her responsibilities as a participant or worker in the program.
Each vocational training service facility issues its own handbooks. Select the Handbook link for your County in the table below to download the Skills Vocational Training Handbook for that facility.
| County | Handbook | Street Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blair County | VT Participant Handbook | 4601-A Cortland Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 |
814-944-4519 |
| Centre County | VT Participant Handbook | 2593-1 Clyde Avenue State College, PA 16801 |
814-231-0290 |
| Huntingdon County | VT Participant Handbook Transitional VT Handbook |
40 Pennsylvania Avenue Huntingdon, PA 16652 |
814-643-2310 |
| Juniata County | VT Participant Handbook Transitional VT Handbook |
RR #5, Box 502 Mifflintown, PA 17059 |
717-436-2101 |
| Mifflin County | VT Participant Handbook Transitional VT Handbook |
31 Industrial Park Road Lewistown, PA 17044 |
814-643-2310 |
