Helping Students Take the First Step

TOWARD SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENT
Work Experience Overview

For 60 years, Goodwill Omaha’s Work Experience program has offered students with disabilities who are nearing the completion of school opportunities to gain exposure to work situations in supportive, positive environments.

During the program, students experience many work areas, including clerical, custodial, production, and retail. Students are paid for their time in this program, and we do our best to accommodate existing school schedules. In their job assignments, students perform the same duties that would be expected of permanent employees, under the guidance of an on-site supervisor and the direction of a trainer. Goodwill Work Experience trainers tailor each job to the specific abilities of the individual student and account for any special needs.

Our Work Experience trainers assign participants jobs at various Work Experience sites. Our trainers work with the students’ parents/guardians and referral sources to provide progress reports throughout the year. During quarterly staffing meetings, Goodwill Omaha’s Work Experience team reviews the activities students have participated in, addresses areas of growth and improvement, and discusses and assesses students’ work goals.

View Fact Sheet
Descarga la Ficha Técnica
Participant Handbook

Program Requirements

To qualify for the program, students must:

  • Have an identifiable and documented vocational disadvantaging condition
  • The majority of referrals come from the school district’s transition or special education programs however, please inquire if you want information on enrollment
  • Be between the ages of 16 and 21
  • Be medically stable and able to self-administer any medications they require
  • Must be able to independently care for their personal needs, either with or without the support of a physical care attendant
  • Be able to carry out all activities of daily living independently, or have arrangements made for assistance and transportation prior to admission to the Work Experience program
  • Be motivated to comply with the Work Experience program
  • Have any maladaptive social behavior under reasonable control to prevent interference with the Work Experience program and Goodwill Omaha’s operations
  • Have no evidence of violent activity within the last 90 days (P&P 210)

Access to Job Training & Placement Changes Lives

Get to know the people who have found purpose and fulfillment by participating in our Work Experience program.

Graci’s Story

Graci didn’t know that a car accident would alter the plans she had for her life, but with a lot of support, hard work, and help from the Work Experience program, she is on a new path forward.

See Graci’s Story

Learn More About the Work Experience Program Today

Are you or a loved one a good fit for our Work Experience Program? Our team is happy to provide more information! If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Us