What You Will Learn
These courses are prevocational training programs. They cover fundamental skills, and are intended for students who have the physical and intellectual capacity, as well as the desire, to become a member of the workforce.
Prospective students will be welcomed into this non-credit program under the auspices of the Center for Workforce Development Program. Limited to 8 students per session. Please note that certification requires full participation in the course and lab experiences.
The goal of this program is to teach basic skills that may transfer to employment with local establishments. In addition, students will be coached on resume and interview preparation.
Careers in the Field
Culinary students acquire skills that prepare them for an entry-level position in food production, restaurants, kitchens in supermarkets, and/or deli. They may also be prepared to work in kitchens found in hospitals and hotel settings.
Horticultural students learn basic horticultural skills that may transfer to employment with local growers’ establishments.
Construction Site Aide students prepare for careers at sites, home improvement organizations and local warehouses.
“Our son is working at a restaurant in Morris Plains doing taste sampling and carts and maintenance. He loves working there. Thanks for a wonderful program!” -Lucia G.
Why Study at CCM?
When students with intellectual or developmental disabilities age out of the public school system, there are limited options for programs that lead to further education and/or employment. The Opportunity Programs at CCM offer a much-needed pathway for students to continue their education and train for employment at area establishments. Resume preparation and interview skills add important value to each student’s experience.
Paying for Your Education
Students may be eligible for funding from their service providers. Talk with your transition coordinator, DDD or DVRS counselor for more information.
Resources
Division of Developmental Disabilities – https://www.morrissussexresourcenet.org/search/division-of-developmental-disabilities/
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services – https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/special-services/individuals-with-disabilities/
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following requirements:
Personal
- Students are responsible for their own self-care – this includes personal hygiene and maintaining a clean uniform and professional appearance
- No inappropriate outbursts and the ability to self-monitor and self-regulate behavior, use of appropriate language and actions. (Please see the CCM Student Code of Conduct (p. 22) in the CCM Student Handbook for rules and regulations.
Social-Emotional
- Behavior appropriate for the workplace including public arena. Applicant must be able to self-regulate and be aware of his/her own body in space
- Self-Manage the work task
- Self-Motivated in managing the work
- Able to organize work flow
- Respect for others
- Effectively manage mild stress (e.g. time demands)
- Able to work in a team or individually
- Remain organized during tasks and classwork
Cognitive
- Cognitive and psychomotor skills sufficient to function in an educational environment and be able to understand basic instructions and carry out those instructions, consistently with moderate supervision.
- Read, comprehend and follow basic directions, including the transfer to action.
- Ability to recognize a hazardous/unsafe situation/environment and act upon it appropriately.
- Reasoning sufficient to understand a critique and correction of work and/or constructive criticism.
- Sustained attention to workload over time and goal achievement.
Other
- The student has the desire and motivation to participate in a pre-vocational college experience. Willing to learn about and use tools and equipment. Can use basic technology (cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.).
- Can self-administer medications.
- Able to communicate with others and express needs
- Able to handle changes in routine and can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances
Contact Us
Contact Adriana Mendez for registration information – amendez@ccm.edu or 973-328-5280.
If you’re an employer or community resource interested in employing our Opportunity Programs students, please contact Wendi Manderioli, Transition Success Coach, at wmanderioli@ccm.edu or 973-328-5073.
Opportunity Programs
Construction Site Aide Opportunity Program (CAR-200E)
This course teaches vocational skills in construction to prepare for careers at sites, home improvement organizations and local warehouses. Topics include the safe use of tools, moving and securing materials and proper use of equipment. Students will have the opportunity to earn the OSHA 10 Certification.
14 sessions: 28 hrs, CEU 2.8
Cost: $2,999
Culinary Opportunity Program I (FDS-129E)
The program covers fundamental culinary skills, ServSafe certification, and resume and interview preparation. Students of this program will acquire pre-apprentice skills to prepare for an entry-level position in food production or packaging in a grocery, supermarket, convenience store or food market. Students will gain experience in measuring, following recipes, knife cuts, preparing dishes, equipment cleaning and maintenance, sanitation and safety measures and basic nutrition.
Apr 16, 2024 – Jun 11, 2024 | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Culinary Opportunity Program II (FDS-130E)
In this continuation course, students will review professional standards and the tools and equipment for the bakeshop. They will learn how to prepare a variety of baked goods and to create a pleasing plated presentation. Students will make quick breads, cookies, yeast breads, pies, pastries, cakes and frostings.
20 sessions: 50 hrs, CEU 5.0
Cost: $2,099
Horticultural Opportunity Program (HRT-137E)
This program is an introduction to the skills needed to be successful in a horticultural environment. The goal of this program is to teach basic horticultural skills that may transfer to employment with local growers’ establishments. In addition, students will be coached on resume and interview preparation.
Topics included:
- Planting, watering and managing greenhouse plants for a typical retail sales environment
- Demonstrating the safe use of both greenhouse and landscape tools (non-power)
- Performing small-scale planting projects such as container gardens, houseplant, herb and vegetable plantings
- Learning the care of outdoor plants in a landscape setting by performing the functions of pruning, dividing and seasonal maintenance
- Identification and control of weeds and pests
- Selection and cutting floral crops for seasonal retail sales
- Safety first – an overview of safety in the workplace, including use of PPE, ergonomics, and environmental awareness
14 sessions, 63 hrs, CEU 6.3
Cost: $2,499
