Occupational Skills Diploma

Career Description

The Occupational Skills Program offers work-based training and classroom instruction for persons with disabilities with the outcome of competitive entry-level employment. Students actively participate with opportunities in the workplace through our Supervised Pre-Internship experiences. Classroom course work offers career exploration and experience to increase employability skills for the entry-level work. Experiences in the program also promote social, physical and emotional growth in the college setting.

Program Information

The Occupational Skills Program (OSP) is a nine-month certified Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP). Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a diploma. The program is designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, focusing on competitive entry-level employment and transition skills needed to live independently. The program is geared toward individuals who can possess the ability to work competitive entry-level employment with training and support. Work experiences, as well as coursework are provided to give real life, hands on experiences in the workplace and the community. Some students use OSP as a transition year before moving on to other college programs. Students also participate in a number of exciting and educational experiences designed to promote community access, social skills, recreation and healthy living.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate transition skills for independent living;
• Communicate with supervisors and peers;
• Maintain employment in supervised settings;
• Follow specified procedures and timelines;
• Exhibit self-advocacy skills in personal and work settings; and
• Set appropriate short term and long-term goals.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Admissions

Students in Occupational Skills have documented disabilities and the ability to compete for entry-level job positions. All services required for independent living are secured by the student and family before the start of Fall Semester. Students may apply beginning on September 1st, 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 to April with new students attending orientation in late spring.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com

Other Resources

Housing at Central Lakes College
https://www.clcparkwayapts.com/

Schedule a tour
https://www.clcmn.edu/admissions/visit-the-college/