What is a career pathway strategy?

Career pathway strategies help prepare your child for the workforce. They can include education, training, work-based learning, and support services. The three steps to a career pathway strategy are:

1. Self-exploration: Taking interest inventories and skills assessments can help your child discover potential career paths that match their strengths. At this step, your child should also understand their disability and what accommodations they may need on the job. Minnesota State CAREERwise Education has tools to assess and match work skills, interests, and values. To learn more and take the assessments, visit minnstate.edu.
2. Career exploration: Career research and work-based learning experiences can help your child find out what they enjoy. Examples include informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteer experiences, and internships.
3. Career planning: After your child has identified possible careers, they can plan for education, jobs, or support services that will help them reach their goals. Activities like resume writing and interview practice are also helpful.

How can my child prepare while they’re still in school?

Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team can develop career exploration goals and services for them. Including self-advocacy goals in your child’s IEP will help prepare them to advocate for themselves in a workplace setting. Your child can also gain work experience while in school through an internship, part-time job, self-employment in the community (babysitting, lawn care, etc.), or volunteer opportunities.

How can parents help?

Talk to your child about different careers, including what you do at your job. If appropriate, invite your child to visit your workplace and other local businesses. You can also help your child work on their “soft skills” such as communication, cooperation, independence, and conflict resolution.

What is vocational rehabilitation?

Each state has a vocational rehabilitation (VR) program that helps individuals prepare for, find, and keep a job. VR services can help your child to find jobs that are a good match for their abilities and interests. Learn more about VR services at mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/disabilities/.

What is CareerForce?

Minnesota CareerForce locations provide job training, education, and employment services for youth and adults. Additional intensive services are available for people who meet extra eligibility criteria, such as having a disability. Specific services vary by location. You can connect with your local CareerForce location by visiting careerforcemn.com/locations.