The William George Agency’s vocational program is provided in partnership with GJR UFSD and especially equipped to support the complex educational and emotional needs of youth receiving treatment services.
All youth take an age-appropriate career exploration activities course at the GJR UFSD. The course teaches job readiness skills and practical applications such as how to write a resume and interview for a job.
Upon completion of the course, youth are eligible to apply to work in any of the vocational programs offered on campus by The William George Agency. Eligible youth can participate in off-campus internships to expand their real-world experience.
While developing their job skills, youth have access to a support network of trained staff to help them successfully navigate feelings of stress or anxiety that can naturally occur from learning new things.
Our vocational training programs are designed to set youth up for success by helping them both improve their emotional growth and gain meaningful work experience that they can later draw on when they return to their community in search of a job or if they pursue higher education in a desired specialty area.
The diversity of vocational training opportunities is also seen as an advantage for youth whose job prospects in their home community may be limited.
All vocational programs are designed to enhance competency, build confidence and foster self-sufficiency.
Below are some of the current vocational training opportunities offered through WGA.
A Living-Learning Environment
Employee of the Month February 2026
Congratulations Kial McGraw. Kial was nominated by his supervisor, Randy Warner, for his skills, attitude, and dedication to the painting program and the Agency. He
Where Interest, Access and Opportunity Meet
At The William George Agency for Children’s Services, children improve their relationships, make progress in reaching their personal goals, and brighten their future prospects all
Apparel & merchandise print shop
Youth learn how to properly and safely use and maintain printers, heat presses, and other types of machines used to create products. They use software programs on computers and tablets to learn how to design apparel and merchandise. They develop workplace skills, including business fundamentals, how to deliver excellent sales and customer service, and marketing basics.
farming / agriculture
This area focuses on hands-on training in various aspects of agriculture and farming. Youth learn about crop production, animal husbandry, soil management, agricultural machinery, and farm business management. Youth also learn about sustainable farming practices, agricultural technology, and agricultural economics. The program aims to prepare youth for careers in the farming industry or further education in a related field.
computer support
Participating youth experience the day-to-day operation of a computer department that builds, services, maintains and supports more than 250 computers on campus. Computer repair, trouble shooting, new equipment rollouts, software installations and upgrades and network infrastructure are the types of activities that youth learn about.
electrical
This position consists of helping ensure the electrical maintenance of all the buildings on campus. Cleaning and inspecting all of the buildings smoke heads and heat heads, changing light bulbs, checking the batteries in the fire detection systems, as well as in the emergency lights, are just a few of the responsibilities for this job. Workers in this program also check fire panel boxes, fire extinguishers and exit lights to make sure everything is working properly. Youth learn basic electrical skills and the safety involved.
dining services & culinary arts
Youth receive classroom instruction and hands on experience in all aspects of institutional food preparation and dining room service experience at our Ewald Dining Hall. Youth also participate in catering activities held on campus. This includes graduations, agency gatherings and many bigger events.
heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC)
This position has the responsibility of maintaining and running the heating and cooling systems in campus buildings. Youth learn the basic principles, installation techniques and maintenance of thermal comfort (heat) and refrigeration (air conditioning) and ventilation units.
library media and information services
This program is great for youth who enjoy working with computers, staying organized, and supporting others. It offers hands-on experience working in a modern school library environment. Youth learn how to manage books and digital resources, assist with research and technology needs, organize materials, and help promote reading and learning throughout the school. Valuable customer service, tech, and information management skills are gained and can be applied to many future careers, from education to communications and beyond.
painting
Youth learn about interior and exterior painting, to include how to use rollers, brushes and eventually mechanical spray machines. Youth learn the proper way to clean and maintain equipment and how to enhance the appearance of buildings and make cottage living areas more attractive. They learn about mechanical and chemical surface preparation as well as paints and their proper applications.
upholstery
Most campus draperies are made and furniture repaired and refinished in the Upholstery Shop. This crew learns to work with a variety of materials from fabrics to wood. Youth learn to use both conventional and industrial sewing machines, numerous hand tools and a myriad of power tools in this work.
automotive
Youth gain hands-on experience utilizing the Agency’s fleet of approximately 80 vans, cars and trucks. This program focuses on all standard vehicle preventative maintenance and repairs including, but not limited to: brakes, tires, wipers, detailing, electrical, suspension, OBD2 Emissions diagnostics, air conditioning, fluid services, and tune-ups.
autobody
This course is designed to teach youth the fundamentals of basic auto body repair and service through a multitude of hands-on experiences. Students will be working on agency vehicles throughout the class.
automotive detailing
This course offers a valuable experience for youth interested in cars, detailing, or pursuing a career in the Automotive industry. Students gain hands-on experience, learning about detailing tools and products, understanding the auto-detailing process, and developing attention to detail.
carpentry
This vocational position includes instruction on building materials, safe operation of power tools and hand tools used in construction. Youth learn safe work practices, while working with an instructor to gain hands on experience in the field. They assist with interior and exterior repairs such as installing windows, siding, doors and much more.
custodial
Recreational custodians clean and maintain the field house and equipment. Youth learn modern techniques used in cleaning and maintaining large buildings with equipment and cleaning products for promoting a clean and healthy environment.
School custodians clean and maintain the school building and equipment. They promote the clean and healthy condition that exists at the school. Youth learn modern techniques used in cleaning and maintaining large buildings with use of equipment and cleaning products.
equine management
Youth gain the practical skills needed to manage an equine facility through participation in the day-to-day operations of J. Brad Herman Equine Center, its stable and the care and handling of the horses. Youth learn various skills to include horse health and care, proper use and care of tack and equipment, equitation, training, and other skills used in maintaining the herd.
heavy equipment
The duties of the heavy equipment crew are wide and varied. They maintain and repair the roads in the summer and keep them plowed in the winter. They also do pipeline construction, provide heavy equipment support for other work areas and maintain and repair all of their equipment. Youth receive safety training and learn about the operation and repair of large bulldozers, backhoes and dump trucks.
grounds maintenance/landscaping
This crew is in charge of maintaining more than 250 acres of lawn on campus. Youth learn safe and proper use, maintenance and repair of mowing equipment, as well as the care and upkeep of the lawns and gardens. Youth can also take a training course on operating a Zero Turn Mower, small tractor and a standard riding mower. In the winter this crew is responsible for keeping campus walkways open and safe. They also learn about the planning, planting and care of landscapes and the propagation of the plants used to create them.
plumbing
Youth assist with the installation and maintenance of various mechanical and plumbing devices. They learn about installing and servicing new and old plumbing installations on campus, as well as pipefitting.
warehouse/stockroom
Youth assist the warehouse staff with cleaning and organizing The Agency’s stock room. They also learn customer service skills, proper operating of equipment and inventory, ordering, labeling and stock piling merchandise to make cottages and buildings on campus run properly. Youth learn how to organize and itemize merchandise for pick up and distribution and maintain a clean and safe environment meeting all safety rules and regulations.
Learning Opportunities
- hands-on experiences
- work skills development
- teamwork
- feelings of accomplishment
- taking direction
- fostering independence
- self-discovery
- accepting responsibility
- money management