For more than 25 years, NECC’s Vocational Department has assisted students in preparing for life after graduation by helping them discover and hone their workplace skills. Beginning at age 14, vocational specialists help students explore their interests and strengths through job sampling on-site at NECC. As students continue to develop their repertoire of skills and discover preferences, they may sample work or secure employment in the community. A unique component of the Vocational Department’s work in supporting students who are navigating the employment process is the creation of vocational portfolios. This spring, Bobby, an IIP student, showcased his when he interviewed for and was hired as a brand associate at Old Navy in the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough.
According to NECC Vocational Specialist Julie LeBlanc, MS, BCBA, LABA, a vocational portfolio is a permanent visual product that showcases pictures, videos, and information beyond what a traditional resume would include. These portfolios serve a wide variety of uses and are often utilized to supplement job interviews, IEP meetings, and to provide information during the student’s transition to adulthood. Student participation in creating their individual portfolio ranges depending on skill level but may include selecting the colors, fonts, and layouts used, choosing what pictures and videos are included, or describing their own strengths, interests, preferences and job responsibilities.
“If we relied solely on an interview, an employer might not understand the amazing work skills that someone has,” added LeBlanc. “The interview process can be difficult for some students. You never know what type of questions will be asked during an interview or how they will be asked, and students may have a difficult time sharing their strengths, preferences, interests, and work experience. By including a portfolio to share during the interview process, interviewers can see the student engaged in work and learn what they are capable of in addition to the other information included.”
Bobby’s portfolio—which also includes community-based jobs at Greenwood Industries and Apex Entertainment where he has excelled—as well as his work ethic, kindness, and positivity have had an impact on his Old Navy colleagues. In May, Bobby was recognized for his exceptional work when he earned the store’s Brand Associate of the Month.
“Bobby recently joined our team and has shown us that he is an amazing employee!” the store shared on the Brand Associate of the Month flyer. “Anything that we ask Bobby to do, he is eager to help in any way. He always comes to work ready with a bright attitude, and happy energy. He is always willing to do whatever we ask, whether it’s cleaning the sales floor, hanging clearance, or even running go-backs! Bobby knows it all! Bobby has really learned how to be a star brand associate and is always willing to do more!”
Bobby’s success is a testament to the Vocational Department’s dedication to NECC’s mission of helping those with autism live fuller lives. Through job sampling, teaching essential skills such as following directions, and progression of responsibility, many students have been able to successfully transition from jobs in NECC’s on-site Career Development Center to paid employment and volunteer work in the community at places as Apex Entertainment, Community Harvest Project, DN Van Lines, Drumlin Farms, Framingham Public Library, Greenwood Industries, J. White’s Automotive, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Project Just Because, Walgreens, and soon, BJ’s Wholesale Club.