Job Readiness and Vocational Training for Special Needs Children
Vocational training for special needs children is central to how Unity College prepares older pupils for adulthood. Our life skills training sits alongside practical work exposure at our on-site Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Chartwell, Johannesburg.
Vocational Training for Special Needs Children: What Our Vocational Training Centre Offers
The Vocational Training Centre serves pupils who have mastered functional academics and are ready to develop their independence while gaining basic workplace skills. It is a personalised pathway where goals match each pupil’s needs and functioning level, and where confidence, dignity, and daily living competence are nurtured consistently.
What parents can expect:
Purpose: We help pupils form a healthy self-image, understand what ‘work’ means, and develop a positive attitude and work ethic. Interpersonal, intrapersonal, and functional skills are built intentionally, so pupils learn their strengths and apply them at home and in the workplace. Decision-making, accountability, problem-solving, and goal setting are taught explicitly. Career interests are explored, and aspirations are respected and recorded.
Curriculum: The curriculum is skills-based and aligns with the DCAPS vocational skills curriculum. Pupils gain practical work skills, such as assembling boxes and packaging items. All these activities are designed to equip them with the skills needed for possible employment in the working world:
- Retail and Merchandising: Covering product packaging and shelf display in a simulated store environment. This area focuses on instilling workplace etiquette, teamwork, punctuality, the ability to follow instructions, and clear communication skills.
- Food Production: Prepping, cooking, presentation, and serving skills are the focus of this area, which includes job shadowing at local restaurants to practise the skills taught and provide pupils with real-life experience in a professional kitchen environment.
- Barista Training: Introducing pupils to the café and coffee shop industry, allowing them to expand their culinary skills to include drinks and beverages. This training also offers exclusive invitations to barista competitions and events, where pupils can showcase their skills and prepare coffee and shakes.
- Office Administration: Covering basic computer literacy, internet safety, responsible social media use, cell phone basics, and everyday app usage. Pupils also learn to create menus, stock sheets, and price lists, which are integrated into the other skills taught within the VTC.
- Arts and crafts: Focusing on safe tool use, creative expression, and craft projects that build fine-motor control and planning skills. These activities promote entrepreneurial thinking through crafting items that can be sold or used in everyday life, fostering independence and pride in completed work.
- Beauty Therapy: Focusing on personal grooming, hygiene, and presentation skills, this subject helps pupils build confidence and self-esteem while developing practical skills in areas such as skincare, basic make-up application, hand and nail care, and salon etiquette.
- Agricultural Studies: Introduces pupils to the basics of plant and soil care, composting, and sustainable food production. Pupils participate in hands-on activities, such as planting vegetables, maintaining school gardens, and understanding the growth process from seed to harvest. The subject also develops responsibility, routine, and environmental awareness while promoting teamwork and problem-solving.
Work Experience That Builds Readiness
Work experience is a weekly commitment. Placements range from sheltered to open labour settings, matched to pupils’ individual abilities and confidence. Pupils complete in-house tasks on campus and voluntary placements off-site, focusing on developing job-related habits, such as punctuality, appropriate dress, stamina, following instructions, and asking for help.
Parents should know that employment can be impacted by external barriers such as bias or limited accommodations; our programme responds to these challenges by facilitating strong practical skills, clear communication, and advocacy, so pupils can step forward showcasing evidence of their ability.
How We Track Progress
Continuous Assessment guides decisions. Teachers use observation, checklists, photos, and videos to document growth. There are no formal exams, but practical assessments of the skills learnt. Each pupil follows an IVDP (Individual Vocational Development Plan). An IVDP is like an Individual Development Plan (IDP) but focused on vocational goals. It tracks short-term and long-term skill goals, support strategies used, progress notes and recommendations for next steps (e.g. community placement, advanced training, etc.). Progress is reviewed every 6 months (at the start of Term 1 and Term 3) to discuss progress and reset goals as needed.
Daily Life and Community Learning
Excursions are also a regular privilege, with most day trips linking to curriculum themes and topics. Shopping outings target money-handling and social skills. Job shadowing assists with observing and practising food preparation, plating, and serving. Using basic restaurant equipment and tools safely and understanding workflow and timing in a real work environment.
Ultimately, the Vocational Training Centre at Unity College gives older pupils and young adults with special needs a clear, compassionate route to adulthood. Speak to our team about how vocational training for special needs children operates at Unity College and how it can serve your child’s goals.