Quest Employment Services hosted its inaugural Career Camp July 7–11. This camp is part of Quest’s commitment to providing Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which offers students with developmental disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life.
Career Camp supports youth ages 14–21 as they build essential independence, vocational and social skills necessary for transitioning into adulthood. In partnership with Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Quest provides meaningful opportunities for students to explore career paths, strengthen workplace readiness, and develop self-advocacy.
A Curriculum with Purpose
Frances Torres, Quest’s director of curriculum and instruction, developed the camp curriculum to reflect these goals. Sessions included exploring in-demand jobs and industries in Central Florida, understanding Quest Employment Services, practicing self-advocacy, and understanding workplace expectations.
“We define meeting expectations as completing all tasks from the main responsibilities of a given position and the set of behaviors any supervisor at a job will expect,” says Frances. “Teaching lessons on expectations often and early better prepares students for their next step in the right direction.”
From The Classroom to the Community
With this foundation, students applied their skills during a work shift at Clean the World. The hands-on experience gave them a valuable opportunity to translate the knowledge gained in the classroom into a real-world setting. Instructor feedback revealed that participants performed admirably, showcasing significant growth and readiness for future volunteer or employment opportunities.
Quest’s Youth Employment Specialist Erin Hennessy captured a video of one student during his time at Clean the World and sent it to his mom.
“This was the student’s first volunteer and work-like experience, so it was a special moment,” Erin shares. “His mom responded, telling me how proud she was of her child and how happy she was that he had the opportunity to participate in camp.”
Exploring Careers and Building Confidence
After gaining real-world experiences at Clean the World, students continued expanding their understanding of the workforce through career exploration opportunities. Guest speakers and a visit to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens gave participants a firsthand look at a variety of job roles and industries. This component supported Employment Services’ goal of encouraging students to consider employment options that align with their interests and strengths.
The camp concluded with mock interviews led by the director of human resources from the City of Altamonte Springs. This final exercise gave students a chance to practice answering tricky questions and refine their presentation skills.
“We had been practicing for the interviews all week,” Erin says. “To see them giving a firm handshake with eye contact and speaking loudly and clearly when answering questions with a new person wrapped up the week in such a wonderful way.”
A Path Forward
The success of Career Camp reaffirms Quest’s commitment to helping individuals with developmental disabilities experience a full life. The Employment Services team is excited to further enhance the curriculum, paving the way for hope and opportunity as participants journey toward employment readiness for a prosperous future.
Learn more about Quest’s Employment Services here.
