Vocational

The William George Agency’s vocational program is provided in partnership with GJR UFSD and especially equipped to meet 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.

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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.

agriculture & farming

This area focuses on hands-on training in various aspects of agriculture and farming. Students learn about crop production, animal husbandry, soil management, agricultural machinery, and farm business management. Students will also learn about sustainable farming practices, agricultural technology, and agricultural economics. The program aims to prepare students for careers in the farming industry or further education in a related field.

computer support & glowforge

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.

Youth can also learn to use The Agency’s Glowforge machine in this program. They can create and customize plaques, key chains and many more items for events or gifts. Youth take a safety course and are given directions on use before using the Glowforge 3D laser machine.

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.

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 /autobody

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. A recent expansion of the Auto Tech Shop has added four critical areas of specialization to the program: bodywork and collision repair, auto painting, alignment, and professional auto detailing.

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. Residents learn by participating in the act themselves or witnessing jobs the industry has to offer, such as learning from visiting veterinarians and farriers.

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 also can take a training course on operating a Zero Turn Mower, small tractor and a standard riding mower. They learn about the planning, planting and care of landscapes and the propagation of the plants used to create them. These employees help to make our outdoor setting beautiful. In the winter this crew is responsible for keeping campus walkways open and safe.

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.

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