Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Connecting individuals, age 14-21, with fulfilling careers

Apply today! 

How can Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) help me?

MRC's Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) offer students with disabilities aged 14-21 a chance to explore the working world. Working with partners statewide, we assist in career decision-making and future planning, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and goals, from first summer jobs to post-school career paths (up until their 22nd birthday).    

Pre-ETS providers focus on five core services to offer students during the program. 

• Job exploration and counseling   

• Workplace readiness training   

• Work-based learning experiences   

• Counseling on post-secondary education or training   

• Self-advocacy and peer mentoring   

Every student is different, and there isn’t a “one-size-fits all” solution. Pre-ETS providers work with each student to find what type of job or career path best suits them. Students can expect a three-tier approach from providers to help build job awareness and confidence.  

Building Awareness    

• Are they looking for a summer job? 
• Do they want to know about available positions? 
• Do they need help filling out work permits? 

The provider will help explore what’s available for the student.

Career Exploration  

• What career interests them? 
• What education and skills will they need? 

The provider will help explore the training and possible internships available for the student.   

Preparation   

Two years before graduating (or turning 22), the student will want to begin to connect with us and meet your VR counselor. Your counselor will pick up where the Pre-ETS provider left off, helping the student transition to a career path. 

Students in the 688 Program   

If the student is eligible for the 688 Program, your school system will connect them with a designated adult agency. Together, they will develop an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) and prepare a program that’s right for the student.   

Beyond High School

Pre-ETS services aren’t just for students in a traditional high school. Students enrolled in vocational schools, college courses, or training programs can still be eligible to work with a provider, as long as they are under the age of 22. 

Every school in the Commonwealth is assigned a Pre-Ets provider and a MRC counselor as a resource. If you would like to receive more information about finding the provider for your student, contact your school’s guidance office or local MRC Office. 

Additional Resources

Types of Referrals to MRC for Students and Youth

What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?

SPED Advisory 2020-1

Pre-ETS Poster

Pre-ETS Informational Pamphlet

Who can I work with?

MRC currently has 34 pre-ETS community providers that you can connect with or ask your MRC liaison for more information.

Pre-ETS Provider Name	Website	Contracted MRC Area Office(s)
American Training	americantraininginc.com	Lawrence, Lowell
Attleboro Enterprises	attleboroenterprises.org	Taunton
Best Buddies International	bestbuddies.org	Braintree, Plymouth
BCIL	bostoncil.org	Boston, Roxbury
B-Fair	bfair.org	North Adams, Pittsfield
CapeAbilities	capeabilities.org	Cape and Islands
Center for Living and Working	centerlw.org/	Fitchburg, Milford, Southbridge, Worcester
Center of Hope Foundation	thecenterofhope.org	Southbridge
Cape Organization for Rights of the Disabled	cordcapecod.org/	Cape
Charles River Center	charlesrivercenter.org	Framingham
MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board	masshiregreaterlowell.com	Lowell
Community Work Services	cwsnewengland.org	Somerville
Disability Resource Center	disabilityrc.org	Salem
Easter Seals	easterseals.com/ma	Worcester
Fidelity House	fidelityhhs.org	Lawrence, Salem
HMEA	hmea.org	Milford
Independence Associates	iacil.org	Brockton, Plymouth
M.O. Life	molifeinc.com	New Bedford
Marriot Foundation for People with Disabilities	marriottfoundation.org	Boston, Roxbury
Martha's Vineyard Community Services	mvcommunityservices.org	Cape and Islands
New England Business Associates	nebaworks.com	Greenfield, Springfield
NILP	nilp.org	Fitchburg, Lowell, Lawrence
Partners for Youth with Disabilities	pyd.org	Boston, Roxbury, Somerville
Pride	pride-inc.org	Fall River, Taunton, New Bedford
Riverside Industries	rsi.org	Springfield
Seven Hills	sevenhills.org	Framingham, Worcester
STAVROS	stavros.org	Greenfield, Springfield
Tempus	masscp.org	Braintree, Brockton, Plymouth, Taunton
Triangle	triangle-inc.org	Brockton, Salem, Somerville
Viability	viability.org	Greenfield, North Adams, Pittsfield, Salem, Southbridge, Springfield, Worcester
Vinfen	vinfen.org	Somerville
Work Inc.	workinc.org	Boston, Braintree, Fitchburg, Roxbury
WOU	workopportunities.net	Fall river, Framingham, Milford, Springfield