The VOC-P Program is made for students who thrive in a hands-on work environment. They will learn functional academics, independent living, and vocational skills through supportive instruction. Special educators and/or special education assistants help the students to achieve these goals. Students are individually matched with their own personal areas of study based on their own skill development, interests, strengths, and learning needs. Eligible students who are interested in applying for VOC-P should contact the Evaluation Team Chairperson at their district high schools.

Self-Advocacy

How to communicate during work or out in the community when problems arise and working on determining solutions to these problems, navigating the internet, social media in order to seek out employment opportunities

Vocational Skills

On the job training, work readiness, interview , resume building and job skills, safety while on the job

Community Opportunities

Critical thinking and problem solving, working as a team, communication skills, motivation, time management

Activities of Daily Living

Maintaining a safe environment, cooking, cleaning, dressing, personal hygiene

Travel Training

Reading a bus schedule the community, scheduling a ride with transportation such as WRTA, Uber, Lift, etc.

Budgeting/Money Management

Identifying and counting coins and bills, comparing prices within stores, making change, using an ATM/Debit card, shopping to promote independence

1. Complete all of the information in the documents below by printing or typing in the spaces provided.

2. Have the application signed by the student, parent, and the Special Education director or designee.

3. Return the completed application to your school’s Evaluation Team Chairperson

• VOC-P Student Checklist

• English VOC-P Brochure

• English VOC-P Application

• Spanish VOC-P Brochure

• Spanish VOC-P Application

• Nepali VOC-P Brochure

• Nepali VOC-P Application

• Twi VOC-P Brochure

• Twi VOC-P Application

• Portuguese VOC-P Brochure

• Portuguese VOC-P Application

• Albanian VOC-P Brochure

• Albanian VOC-P Application

• Vietnamese VOC-P Brochure

• Vietnamese VOC-P Application

The Vocational Opportunities and Career Pathways Program (VOC P) at Worcester Technical High School is designed for student with special needs who:

• Have been found eligible for special education services due to an intellectual disability and / or Autism Spectrum as their primary disability

• Are determined by a Team to be in need of a substantially separate program and whose IEP can be implemented in the VOC P Program.

• Participate in the MCAS Alternate Assessment

• Can benefit from a program that is directly related to the preparation of students for career opportunities

• Can safely and with decreasing supports, access an appropriate supported career based program that is offered at the Worcester Technical High School

• Have needs an career goals that can be met through the Vocational Opportunities and Careers Pathways Program

• Students will follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Worcester Public Schools Student Handbook as well as the supplemental handbook provided by Worcester Technical High School

Students will have access to targeted vocational areas that provide optimal opportunities to acquire skills that will assist them with securing some type of employment. Students in the 9/10 VOC-P Program focus on functional academic skills, specifically geared towards MA Curriculum Frameworks and completion of MCAS Alt Portfolios. Students that participate in the VOC P Program do not receive a high school diploma or trade certificate. Students will receive a certificate of attainment after completing 4 years.

Students strengthen their money management, reading and writing comprehension skills as well as soft skills needed for success while on the job. Students will explore vocational areas that correspond to their skill development, interests, strengths and learning needs. Students in the 11/12 VOC-P Program continue to develop and refine skills related to money management and budgeting, independent living, employability and vocational areas. Students work on creating a resume while they learn the process of looking for and applying for job and volunteer opportunities. Students will have unique experiences and participate within the community contributing collaboratively while gaining invaluable experiences.

English

History

Math

Science

Special Education