Real-world skills for real-world opportunities
Gaining independence is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. For many, leaving home or stepping into adulthood means navigating new challenges—managing money, time, cooking meals, and making decisions that shape the future. Every task becomes an opportunity to learn and grow, building the skills needed for success.
Our Occupational Skills Program is a Comprehensive Transition Program that empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals through a unique blend of work-based training, career exploration, and classroom instruction. Our program will teach decision making, self-advocacy, communication, critical reasoning, and employability skills. Students build skills and gain experience in Supervised Pre-Internship settings all designed to prepare them for a successful transition into competitive entry-level employment or continuing their college education in their chosen career path.
The ID Grant program provides students of intellectual and developmental disabilities with financial assistance for tuition and fees – learn more (pdf).
Location: Brainerd Campus
Occupational Skills Program Tour Schedule and Information (pdf)
Fast Facts
This program teaches independent living skills, job seeking, and job keeping skills.
The Occupational Skills program is a Comprehensive Transition Program creating pathways to desired careers through internship opportunities and/or continued education.
Students have a full college experience participating in campus clubs, student life activities, sports, music, and theater events. Students complete a minimum of 2 elective credits outside of the program.
Earn a diploma while learning the skills to transition to life and employment!
US Annual Job Openings 565,600
Currently Employed
3,338,800
The CLC Promise
Central Lakes College promises to provide you with an extraordinary education
that is affordable, accessible and enhances the quality of your life.
Program Instructors
Nick O'Reilly
Occupational Skills Program College Lab Assistant
*Source: CareerOneStop – US Dept. of Labor