Introduction
The Institute for Career Development
is a fully licensed private postsecondary school specializing
in vocational training, basic education, evaluation and job placement
for people with disabilities or without job skills. The Institute
serves the needs of the greater Bay Area with job training, counseling,
and placement services.
Courses taught at the Institute
prepare students for employment in the office technology and accounting
fields. Training is offered at no cost to qualified applicants.
To see if you qualify, please contact the Intake Coordinator at
(408) 998-5787, extension 223, or e-mail
All classes are open-entry, open-exit,
meaning that students can start at any time and graduate as soon
as they complete the requirements of their competency-based programs.
The low 15:1 student-teacher ratio ensures that all students will
receive personalized, individual attention.
All courses taught at the Institute
are approved for the training of veterans under the Federal G.I.
Bill. The Institute is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
for Rehabilitation Facilities.
Support Services
In an effort to develop career
potentials and the skills needed to find and secure jobs, the
Institute provides support services.
Vocational Evaluation
Experienced evaluators administer tests to determine the client's
aptitudes, interests, achievement levels and physical tolerance.
The results of the testing, which can be done either as a one-week
comprehensive evaluation or a two-day program screening, are used
as a guide for clients in choosing a career field and in setting
vocational goals.
Vocational Counseling
A Vocational Counselor assists every client in setting and reaching
career goals. Counselors follow students progress from referral
to placement and coordinate the monitoring and updating of each
individual's rehabilitation plan.
Interpreting Services
The Institute provides American Sign Language interpreters for
all students/clients from the referral process until final placement.
Interpreters are also available on a contract basis to outside
parties.
Work Evaluations
A two-week Work Evaluation can be conducted to provide an estimation
of future work behavior. Using a real work situation in either
Goodwill’s Production Resources or one of Goodwill’s
Retail Stores an appraisal of an individual’s current work
stamina, productivity, knowledge and use of materials and tools,
interpersonal skills, reliability, initiative, and responsiveness
to directions and constructive criticism can be evaluated and
detailed in a thorough report. Work may involve: packaging, collating,
electronic sub-assembly, inspection, production, stock handling,
merchandising, bagging, or cashier operations. A work schedule
will be developed according to the individual’s needs.
Work Adjustment
The Work Adjustment Program is available to high school students
to fulfill their vocational learning needs as a complement to
their academic vocational exploration or work experience programs
as well as to adults who are referred by the Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation. The program, usually six weeks or more in length,
utilizes real work situations in Goodwill’s Production Resources
or Recycling and Retail Division and provides the opportunity
to develop appropriate work habits and attitudes, as well as other
pre-vocational and vocational abilities. Focus is placed on development
of social skills, work tolerance, work aptitudes, and life management
skills. Clients work closely with work services counselor and
work area supervisors designing and carrying out individualized
work adjustment goals focused on achieving positive changes.
Advanced Career Education Program
(ACE)
The ACE program is an innovative collaborative partnership between
Goodwill Industries of Santa Clara County, San Jose Unified School
District, and East Side Union High School District. It has been
specifically designed to meet the transition and vocational needs
of developmentally delayed and/or low functioning special education
students (as defined by each school district) in the 18-22 year
old age range who, after receiving specific skills training in
a variety of appropriate work/community-based educational opportunities,
are prepared to participate, at least partially, in supported
or competitive employment. Students participating in this program
are those who will benefit from training opportunities not currently
available in local, county, or private organizations and is a
remarkable opportunity for the school districts, Goodwill/ICD,
and employers to forge a meaningful and productive bond to enhance
the training and employability of an underserved, but potentially
employable segment of our population.
Job Placement Services
Competitive Employment
The Institute employs a staff of experienced job placement specialists
who work with students to help them write resumes, fill out applications,
find job openings, secure interviews and follow-up on employment.
Supported Employment
Experienced Institute staff conduct a Job Seeking Skills Class
geared to serve clients with developmental disabilities and focusing
on job-related issues that range from grooming to transportation
to safety to interviewing tips to building self-confidence. Job
development provides assistance with career exploration, job application,
and interviewing. On the job training in the form of job coaching
is then provided by our staff as needed free of charge to the
employer.
STUDENT COMMENTS FROM
EXIT SURVEY
'THE STUDENTS THAT GRADUATE FROM
HERE ARE A CUT ABOVE" . . . . James P., Accounting Program
graduate.
"THEY RECREATE A JOB ENVIRONMENT
HERE" . . . . Connie R., Clerical Program graduate.
"HERE AT THE INSTITUTE, YOU
GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN" . . . . . Ray S., Accounting Program
graduate.
"IT HAS HELPED ME MAKE A LOT
OF THE RIGHT CHOICES IN MY LIFE" . . . Alana M., Clerical
Program graduate.
"ASSOCIATING WITH THE CALIBER
OF PEOPLE THAT MAKE UP THE ICD FACULTY AND STAFF WAS A BLESSING"
...Toni I., Accounting Program graduate.
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Goodwill of Silicon
Valley
1080 North Seventh Street; San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 998-5774
webmaster@goodwillsv.org
Copyright 2000, Goodwill of Silicon Valley
