Career Pathways
Introduction to Career Pathways: Y&YAD needs can be diverse and require multiple different avenues of assistance. Within workforce development and education, individuals may need accessibility and flexibility within programs and training to obtain the technical and career skills needed to ensure success in the workplace. One of CAPE-Youth’s purposes is to advocate for such accessibility in workforce development programs as well as identify ways to improve and diversify the career pathways available to Y&YAD.
As youth and young adults look to the future, the world of careers can be overwhelming. Young people benefit from timely and diverse career preparation and work-based learning opportunities. Policymakers have a current legislative construct to ensure each youth has exposure to career preparation and work-based learning experiences, such as job shadowing, internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and summer work experiences. Work-based learning should prepare students with the skills needed by today’s employers.
Introduction to Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a structured training program where individuals learn a skilled trade alongside an experienced professional. It is a proven strategy to improve labor force participation, especially among youth and young adults with disabilities. However, CAPE-Youth research shows apprenticeships for youth and young adults with disabilities are underutilized and that state policymakers play an essential role in promoting and expanding inclusive apprenticeship opportunities.
Introduction to Work-based learning
Work-based learning takes an educational approach to improving workforce participation, especially among youth and young adults with disabilities. These programs connect real-world experience to classroom learning. The Center proposes that work-based learning can help youth and young adults with disabilities transition from school to the workforce.
Introduction to Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a structured training program where individuals learn a skilled trade alongside an experienced professional. It is a proven strategy to improve labor force participation, especially among youth and young adults with disabilities. However, CAPE-Youth research shows apprenticeships for youth and young adults with disabilities are underutilized and that state policymakers play an essential role in promoting and expanding inclusive apprenticeship opportunities.
Read the Policy BriefIntroduction to Work-based learning
- Promoting and Maintaining Career and Technical Education for Students with Disabilities: CAPE_Youth_CTEBrief
