SNAP Career Pathways: Vocational ESL and Work Skills Training (remote)

SNAP Career Pathways: Vocational ESL and Work-Skills Training helps SNAP participants who are ready to enter or re-enter the workforce build the English, job readiness, occupational, and digital skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

Participants begin with intake and assessment to identify their English level, work history, employment goals, training interests, and barriers to employment. Based on this assessment, staff develop an individualized employment and training plan with each participant.

Program activities include vocational ESL focused on workplace communication, reading job postings, completing forms, understanding workplace expectations, and communicating with supervisors, coworkers, customers, training providers, and employers. Participants also receive digital literacy and work-skills training, including email use, online applications, resume uploading, virtual communication, attendance, punctuality, teamwork, problem solving, customer service, workplace safety, and employee rights and responsibilities.

Job readiness and job search support are integrated throughout the program. Participants receive assistance with career exploration, resumes, applications, interview preparation, job search strategies, and connections to employers. SNAP Path to Work services may include job search training, vocational skills training, work readiness training, and job retention support. Participants may also access occupational training and certification pathways through NAAM or external partners, depending on their goals, readiness, eligibility, and training availability. Pathways may include culinary training with ServSafe certification, CNA/ Home Health Aide training, EVAC or other job-specific training, driving-related training, and other short-term workforce training aligned with employer demand.

Case management is provided throughout the program to help participants address barriers such as transportation, childcare, work clothing, books and supplies, testing or licensing fees, and other needs that may affect participation or employment. SNAP E&T may include these types of supportive services while participants work toward employment and training goals.

Participants follow an individualized 24-week participation plan with up to 20 hours per week of combined activities, including instruction, occupational training, structured homework or independent study, job search assignments, employment coaching, and case management. After employment, participants may receive job retention support to help them succeed in the workplace.