VersAbility Resources’ Future of Work program offers life-long career opportunities to the greatest untapped talent pool in the nation.
U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics indicate that typically the unemployment rate for people with a disability is about twice as high as the rate for people with no disability. In fact, within every demographic group, people with disabilities face the worst employment outcomes.
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Our Future of Work program addresses the barriers to employment people with disabilities face. Wraparound support services include dedicated job coaches onsite to facilitate people with disabilities successfully completing certification/credentialing and apprenticeship programs that will expand their career opportunities in high-demand industries. We also assist in writing a resume and preparing for a job interview.
Training is free to eligible participants who must be 18 years of age or older with documented proof of disability. Career switchers are also encouraged to apply.
Training sessions have rolling admission and are offered in Welding, Culinary Arts and Medical Administrative Assistant with the potential to expand to other career areas.
Employers are eligible to receive a Work Opportunity Tax Credit when they employ people with disabilities.
The Future of Work program began in 2021 with help from a $200,000 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Grant and additional sponsors Newport News Shipbuilding, Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation, Sentara, Truist Foundation and Dominion Energy contributing.
For information on Future of Work, contact Sydney Smith at ssmith@versability.org.
For other employment questions you can also email wehire@versability.org.
FAQs
Who is eligible for Future of Work?
Anyone 18 years of age or older with documented proof of disability.
What should I do if I am interested in enrolling in one of the training cohorts?
Email Sidney Smith at ssmith@versability.org. You will be notified when the next session is available. After a phone screening, you will be asked to interview prior to enrollment. Interviews are conducted at our Hampton headquarters or via Zoom. Depending on the program, other requirements might be necessary.
How does a dedicated job coach help me?
Our dedicated job coaches work onsite with you during training. They can help prepare you by strengthening your work readiness skills that relate to communication, anxiety, teamwork, etc. They are facilitators who help you complete the training program successfully, so you are prepared to enter the workforce.
Job coaches can also ensure the proper accommodations are in place for the training sessions and during the job interview process.
When and where are classes?
Our sessions are ongoing and typically offered in sessions that last between 10-12 weeks for Culinary Arts and Medical Administrative Assistant or six months for Welding.
Welding and Medical Administrative Assistant classes meet at New Horizons Regional Educations Centers. Culinary Arts training is at Virginia Peninsula Food Bank.
Culinary Arts sessions are during daytime hours. Welding and Medical Administrative Assistant sessions are in the evening.
Do graduates of the program receive a credential?
- Culinary Arts graduates are eligible to earn the ServSafe certification.
- Welding graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel Endorsement.
- Medical Administrative Assistant graduates are qualified to earn Virginia’s Medical Administrative Assistant Certification.
Can I receive assistance with transportation to and from training?
VersAbility can assist you in navigating either Uber, Lyft or help you apply for the Hampton Roads Transit Discounted Fare Card available to customers with disabilities.
Can area school systems refer students?
Absolutely! We are always looking to work with additional schools in the Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg and York County Public School systems.
What if I am an employer looking to offer training and/or a training facility?
We would love to partner with you! We are looking to expand our training to include other healthcare fields and information technology. Contact Sydney Smith at ssmith@versability.org.
Please note that each individual program page needs to include a template of sorts. Opening summary info, imagery, detailed info, contact form and staff directory for that program. There might also be an opportunity for an FAQ on each page.
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