Pre-Employment Transition Services

WIOA Statement:

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and now requires vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to set aside at least 15% of their federal funds to provide "Pre-Employment Transition Services" to "students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services."

Watch the animated Pre-ETS video to learn more about Pre-Employment Transition Services:

Download Video 


What are Pre-Employment Transition Services?

  • Pre-ETS are a coordinated set of activities, designed with an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities organized in collaboration with local school staff;
  • Available to enhance and support secondary education transition planning, not replace or supplant transition requirements;
  • Intended to work toward alignment of the student’s IEP and/or High School and Beyond Plan goals;
  • Coordinated activities that are based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account the student’s skills, abilities, preferences and interests;
  • Must be provided on the basis of individual need:
    • The five required pre-employment transition services are not mandated to be provided to each student with a disability if all the activities are not necessary; and
  • Are services that support the student’s informed choice for participation

Transition Approval Form


Who is eligible for Pre-Employment Transition Services?

  • Students who are enrolled in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program
  • Students who are no younger than the earliest age for the provision of transition services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and/or Washington Administrative Code in relation to “appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education”
    • Typically ages 16 through 21
  • Students who are eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or is an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    • Students who have an IEP, a 504 plan, or a documented disability

What Pre-Employment transition services are available?

  • Job Exploration
    • Students explore the world of work and learn more about their interests, abilities and future goals
  • Self-Advocacy
    • Students develop the skills necessary to flourish in work and everyday life
  • Work-Based Learning
    • Students have the opportunity to gain work experience prior to graduation
  • Workplace Readiness Training
    • Students learn what it takes to work in the real world, including job-related independent living skills
  • Post-Secondary Education Counseling
    • Students receive guidance on how to gain education and/or technical training past high school

Learn More about Pre-Employment Transition Services