The transition from school to work is often difficult for young people. The tasks of choosing a job and preparing for work or choosing a college career path present all youth and their families with complex decisions. A vocational assessment can provide valuable information useful in matching the student’s abilities and preferences to appropriate training programs. It can also identify services required by the individual to make the transition from school to work or higher education as smooth and as successful as possible.

WHAT IS A STUDENT VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

Vocational assessment is a systematic, ongoing process designed to help students and their parents understand a young person’s vocational preferences and potential. It provides information on the student’s career development background (e.g. awareness), interests, special needs, learning styles, work habits and behaviors, personal and social skills, values and aptitudes towards work, self-concept, and work tolerances.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STUDENT VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

The student learns about himself or herself
Increased self-confidence and/or self-esteem
Increased interest in school and in their academic performance
Increased self-awareness and a better understanding of ones skills
Students often are able to better identify and speak about things they can do
Excitement about the vocational activities on which they are working
Students will enthusiastically talk with their families and friends about what they are doing in school
Students develop new, realistic career interests

WHAT DOES THE STUDENT VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROVIDE?

Working together and drawing from assessment results, parents, professionals and the student create this profile that begins with a summary of the assessment results. Included is:

A description of the student’s personal and vocational attributes as well as strengths and weaknesses
Recommendations regarding potential career directions and training programs suitable for the student
Career and vocational education recommendations are based upon specific data outlining student likes and dislikes, demonstrated skills, and areas for improvement

For additional information contact:

Melanie Bush, Chief Evaluator
2125 E. South Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36116
(334) 288-0240 Ext. 263