High School Transition
We understand that the transition from school to work can feel uncertain and overwhelming. It is critical that during this time you receive all of the tools needed to have a bright and successful future. Sharp Training provides these tools, making this process easier for all of those involved.

To ease this transition, our agency provides:

• Vocational training
• Life Skill Instruction
• Driver’s Education classes and behind the wheel training
• Assistance with connecting you with the appropriate services you may be eligible for after graduation

All of our programs can be tailored to work around your high school schedule, providing the flexibility needed to allow both to co-exist. Let us help make your entrance into the post-graduation world effortless and successful! Vocational Services
Sharp Training has found that on the job training is the best way to provide the optimal learning environment for our clients to excel. We place our clients in real job settings in order for them to receive the proper training that they need to become as independent as possible. This approach allows our clients to access experience within vocational fields that they would not be able to otherwise by just applying off the street. We challenge our staff to be innovative when job developing, creating unique and wonderful opportunities. We have the ability to access over 100 business contacts for your job placement! Sharp Training has had hundreds of successful job placements!

We realize that each individual we serve requires a different level of support and staff involvement. Therefore, we feel it is important to provide different models of job placement to best serve our clients.

• Group Supported Employment
  • Job Coach is on site at all times
  • Good model to initially evaluate an individuals needs
  • Provides stability and the support necessary for some who need to have a consistent level of supervision on a daily basis
• Independent Placement
  • Initial job coach training provided
  • Program monitored by a Job Coach for check-ins and problem solving as needed
  • Allows an individual to be placed in work setting that they may not otherwise have access to
  • Leads to creative competitive employment opportunities that can be “carved out” especially for our clients

An interest inventory or initial job assessment can also be conducted to help set a baseline for which to start the program. Whatever the level of need, we strive to provide valuable and unique job opportunities that would not be available to the individual otherwise. Please contact us to learn how to start working! Life Skill Center
Independent living skills are paramount for an individual’s success no matter what their living situation. Our agency focuses on teaching these important life skills at our center located in Oakdale, CT. Initially an assessment is conducted to determine which the areas of concentration. The information is then used to tailor a program unique to that individual.
Topics covered include:

• Safety Skills
• Employment Skills: Resume writing, applications, interviews, etc.
• Health and Basic First Aid
• Personal Hygiene
• Community Resources: Internet use, yellow pages, newspaper searches
• Social Skills: Anger management, communication, decision making
• Nutrition
• Money Management and Budgeting
• Banking: Depositing & Check Writing
• Comparative Shopping
• Hands on Cooking Classes, Recipe building, Menu Planning & Food safety
• Basic Household Maintenance Tasks
• Transportation Training

While working on these important living skills, individuals at the center are also learning social skills through group activities and exercises. The combination of individualized programming and group involvement offers a unique opportunity for learning. Transportation
Our agency understands that transportation is critical to an individual's employment success and maintaining a job. Our agency can provide transportation during your high school years as well as after graduation.

• Full time transportation coordinator
• Certified drivers
• Utilize regular mini-vans for discrete transport
• Can be flexible with any work schedule
• Allows individuals to explore job opportunities outside of the parameters of public transportation.

Day Service Option/Recreation Center Our agency believes in the importance of providing a program for those individuals who are not in a work program or want to supplement their work program with a day service option. Our center is located in East Lyme, CT and run by several staff. The program’s goal is to foster an enjoyable environment that provides clients daily choices of activities.
These can include:

• Community outings such as bowling, shopping at the mall, park trips
• Arts and Crafts
• Jewelry making
• Mild Exercise
• Watching movies

Each individual is encouraged to participate in all activities but is allowed to make the choice for themselves. The center provides a social environment for individuals to interact with their peers, demonstrate creativity, and participate in the community. Woodshop
Our woodshop was developed for those individuals that enjoy working with their hands and provides an optimal environment for learning about woodworking on a variety of levels. The clients get great satisfaction from seeing a project to completion. All items are for sale and clients are able to participate in the business process.
Some of the projects at the woodshop include:

• Refinishing and repairing furniture
• Building bird and bat houses
• Creating seasonal items such as wreaths
• Elevated dog and cat bowls

Clients receive a tremendous amount of self-satisfaction in creating a tangible product that can be sold. The woodshop provides a creative environment where each person can perform at their own level. It is a unique opportunity that only our agency can provide! Driving School