Exploring Your Next Steps: Resources for College and Career Decisions
Assessment Tools and Aptitude Tests
Self Assessment Tools from MassRehab and Easter Seals
Career Research
Apprenticeship.gov is the one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources. Discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers, and how to become an apprentice.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on hundreds of occupations, including any qualifications required and growth prospects.
Career Path DECIDE is a decision-support tool provided by the Department of Defense to help Service members and Veterans identify, prepare for, and become increasingly qualified for employment as they transition military service to the civilian workforce.
Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
This guide shares information on applying to and attending trade school as a student with a disability. In addition, it provides a nationwide directory of beauty schools.
The Trades
Building Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you learn about the industry, practice your hands-on skills and compete for union apprenticeship program openings.
Every week on this skilled trades podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and DJ Danny talk with business owners, tradespeople, educators, and representatives from trade organizations.
NASCTF Training for a Career in Carpentry (video)
The North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund delivers cutting-edge training and curriculum in state-of-the-art facilities to apprentice and journey-level union carpenters seeking a strong, competitive advantage in today’s construction industry. The Career Connections service offers a curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12.
Krystal Green | Carpenters Local 326 (video)
Krystal Green learned about carpentry through a job funnel program. She became the first female, first African American, and first apprentice to serve on the Executive Board of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. Learn more about her experience in this video profile.
Ziven Drake | Piledrivers Local 56 (video)
This profile from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters showcases Ziven Drake, a union diver who found a way to combine her love of water and working with her hands.
Making It Real: PERI SKYDECK Training with the Carpenters union (video)
The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters training programs use real-world tools and materials with expert instruction.
Becoming an Electrician: The Career of a Lifetime (video)
Electrical industry professionals showcase exactly why a career in electrical construction field is a great option for someone contemplating their future.
Common Specializations for Electricians
Minnesota’s Electrical Association highlights some of the wide variety of specializations available to electricians.
A Day in the Life: New Construction Plumbing Apprentice (video)
Check out this video to hear from Kyle Flood, a New Construction Plumbing Apprentice, about a typical day in his life.
What Does An HVAC Technician Do?
This guide describes the typical schedule and duties of HVAC technicians, along with a pro/con list.
College Research
The K & W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences – 15th Edition from The Princeton Review
This one-of-a-kind resource for high school students with ADHD, ASD, and other learning differences includes profiles of 360 colleges with excellent academic programs, services, and accommodations for students with learning differences.
The dashboard ranks universities granting undergraduate degrees on accessibility and inclusion criteria relevant to students with disabilities.
Beacon College Disability Match Fact Sheet
This match tool is used to help understand and evaluate the accommodations and programs that will be needed at the college level. It also includes 10 questions to ask when visiting colleges.
Dean College: Arch Learning Community
The Dean College Arch Learning Community is designed for students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or other learning challenges who would benefit from additional academic support while taking part in a traditional college curriculum.
Curry College Program for Advancement of Learning
For more than 50 years, Curry College’s Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL), has provided learning resources for students with diagnosed learning differences, executive function challenges and/or AD/HD. As the oldest program of its kind in the country, they are a leader in accessible student services.
Associate Degrees & Certifications
This article from Coursera explores the different uses of associate degrees, potential careers, and other information useful when making a decision as to whether an associate degree is the right path for you.
Certificates: A Fast Track to Careers
This article from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is an in-depth exploration of certifications and how you can find a program that’s right for you.
This database from the US Department of Labor helps you search for certifications that you can earn and show employers that you have specific skills or knowledge.
Become an Adobe Certified Professional.
Have a resource you’d like us to know about or share? Send us your suggestions at info@differentchoices.org. Thanks!
Workshops
Sessions from previous Different Choice events presented information to help students and families navigate the transition from high school, whether career- or college-bound.
Presentation Slides
Designing Your Own Path to the Future, from Alexander Morris-Wood, Director of Admission, Beacon College (PDF)
Trades Career Pathways, from Kasey Johnson, Building Futures RI (PDF)
