Opportunity Programs Information Session
Come learn about our Opportunity Programs!
Wednesday, December 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Remote-Live via Zoom
Presenters Sarah Robey and Wendi Manderioli will answer your questions about CCM’s Opportunity Programs, a pre-vocational training program for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Please join us!
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.
Opportunity Programs are administered in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education as part of the County College-Based Center for Adult Transition Grant.
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.
Home Improvement Retail Specialist students prepare for careers at home improvement organizations and local warehouses.
Office Assistant students prepare to work in any company office setting.
“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
Scholarships may be available for qualifying students ages 18-24. Also, 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. 20) 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
Opportunity Programs
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.
Location: off campus at the Morris County School of Technology
Cost: $3,499
Next offered Fall 2025
If you would like to register, fill out this interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.
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.
Dates: Tuesday and Thursday, January 21-April 3 from 4-7 p.m. at the Morris County School of Technology.
Cost: $2,999
If you would like to register, fill out this interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Instructor: Jeffry Wierzbicki, BS – Jeffry is a highly creative, award-winning chef who for over 20 years has served as both a professional chef and a culinary arts instructor at the high school and college levels. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island with a concentration in Leadership Studies and is a certified culinary instructor, culinarian, and ServSafe instructor. Jeffry believes that cooking is an important creative and emotional outlet that bridges social gaps and fosters dialogue that encourages inclusiveness and celebrates diversity; he is multilingual and enjoys sharing his love of culinary arts in several languages with students of many ages and abilities.
Home Improvement Retail Assistant Opportunity Program (CAR-203E)
This course teaches vocational skills in construction to prepare for careers at hardware stores, home improvement retailers, and local warehouses. Topics include the safe use of tools, moving and securing materials, and proper use of equipment.
Friday, February 28-April 5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (no class April 18)
8 sessions: 40 hours
Location: On campus in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, Room AME-135
Cost: $2,999
If you would like to register, fill out this interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Instructor: Robert Vendetti, BS – Robert is a master carpenter and cabinetmaker who has instructed students in vocational and technical education for over 40 years. He has experience with carpentry, welding, modular construction, solar energy systems, and more. He helps students to develop a strong work ethic while learning critical problem solving skills. Robert holds certifications for teaching Industrial Arts, Skilled Trade Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, and Electric and Gas Welding. In addition, Robert is an accomplished athlete who has competed in many marathons and cycling events.
Horticultural Opportunity Program (HRT-138E)
The Horticultural Opportunity Program offers 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, florists, landscaping companies and garden centers.
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
Friday, February 14-May 9 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (no class April 18)
Location: on campus in the Landscape and Horticulture Technology building, Room LHT-110
12 sessions: 54 hours. CEU 5.4
Cost: $2,999
If you would like to register, fill out this interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Instructor: Madhavi Kulkarni, BArch, LEED AP – A passion for teaching, coupled with her completion of the Rutgers Master Gardener program of Morris County, pointed Madhavi towards teaching the Horticulture Opportunity Program at CCM. In 2023-24, she had 100+ hours of volunteer experience at arboretums in Morris County, closely working with professional gardeners to improve and maintain the public gardens. Madhavi also has 20 years of experience in architectural and landscape design with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and LEED AP accreditation.With this blend of technical leadership and experience, Madhavi brings an understanding of equipping students with practical skills, and positions her to contribute to CCM’’s mission of helping students prepare for employment.
Office Assistant Opportunity Program
This program teaches hands-on experience related to the office setting. Students will learn clerical tasks, basic computer skills and fundamentals of Microsoft Office applications.
Tuesdays and Fridays, February 4 through March 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: on CCM campus in Henderson Hall, Room HH-214
9 sessions: 45 hours, CEU 4.5
Cost: $2,999
If you would like to register, fill out this interest form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Instructor: Emily O’Brien, AS – Emily has over 20 years of experience as an instructor for CCM’s Workforce Development Department providing instruction in MS Office applications for corporate clients and open enrollment programs. For over 25 years, she has provided instruction at the adult level in multiple settings and is a sought after trainer and instructor. Emily is skilled in developing, coordinating and implementing training sessions for client needs and delivering technical information to train non-technical audiences. Emily is an alumna of CCM.
Contact Us
Contact Sarah Robey for registration information – srobey@ccm.edu or 973-328-5189.
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.
