Career Description
OSP is a technical college program that offers work-based training and classroom instruction for persons with disabilities with the outcome of competitive entry-level employment. Students in OSP actively participate in opportunities in the workplace and the classroom to expand their work experience background and increase their employability in the entry-level skilled work market. Experiences in OSP also promote social, physical and emotional growth in the college setting.

Program Information
OSP is a nine-month diploma program, staffed by one coordinator/instructor and two laboratory assistants. Specific skills needed for employment are taught at the business, (in the college or community,) where students receive training.

Coursework in the classroom reinforces basic work skills learned at the employment site, which increases student success at any workplace.

Other skill outcomes for students in OSP taught in the classroom include Communication Skills (verbal, nonverbal and written,) Problem-Solving skills (goal-setting, self advocacy and relationship building, etc.) and Decision-Making skills (ie. citizenship skills, budgeting, self management.) Students can also participate in an elective summer internship course which provides follow-up services at their place of employment following graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes
*Students will secure and maintain employment in SPI course and following college graduation.
*Students will use Effective communication skills on the job.
*Student will practice time management in worksite skill of quality of work while in SPI course.
*Student will demonstrate problem solving skills.

Special Program Requirements 
Students in OSP have documented disabilities and the ability to compete for entry level job positions in the community in which they reside.

All after-school-hour services required for independent living are secured by the student and family before the onset of the fall semester. Students can apply for OSP in the fall, beginning on Sept. 1, the year preceding attendance in the program. Student interviews for applicants meeting program criteria begin in January. Interviews and acceptance of students are completed from January–April with new students attending OSP Orientation in April.

Employment Opportunities
Attracting qualified employees and matching their skills to the job for which they are best suited is significant to the success of any business.

According to the MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development, entry-level career availability is expected to rise through 2010. Some examples of entry-level employment that students in the Occupational Skills Program obtain following graduation: food preparation janitorial retail areas of cashier and stock clerks entry-level health care areas

Career Titles
Placement Data from OSP show 94% Total Related Employment for
Recent graduates. Job titles for graduates include
Stock person
Line worker
Housekeeping
Waitress
Ride operator
Dishwasher
Dietary aide

Occupational Skills, Diploma - Program Planning Form (pdf)