employU Offers Career Discovery and Internship Opportunities In the Florida Keys 

employU, a nonprofit organization offering career exploration and job placement services for people with disabilities, has expanded its services to Key West and the Florida Keys.  

employU’s expansion into the Florida Keys is particularly significant for individuals with disabilities. In Monroe County, 19.3% of adults report experiencing limitations in their daily activities due to health problems. 10.3% of the population lives with a disability. This means Monroe County has a higher-than-average percentage of residents facing these limitations and who may face additional barriers in finding work or pursuing career interests.  

Only adding to the challenges these individuals may face, Monroe County’s lower unemployment rate of 3.4% (compared to the state’s 5.4%) suggests a competitive job market.  

Through its services, employU ensures that individuals with disabilities receive the specialized support and resources they need to navigate the job market. The services are designed to empower students and job seekers by building their confidence and equipping them with practical skills to succeed in the workplace.  

This expansion is bringing valuable career development resources to local students.  These services can provide solutions for the area’s high school graduates within the disability community, who often face uncertainty when it comes to planning their next steps after graduation. employU helps students explore career options, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for successful futures through a range of free services. 

Two key components to this hands-on learning for students are employU’s Work-Based Learning Experiences and Career Camps. Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) or On-the-Job Trainings allow students to complete internships with employU’s business partners in a variety of industries. Earning a wage while gaining workplace experience, students have the opportunity to explore different job positions and gain transferrable skills like time management, teamwork, and communication during each WBLE they choose to participate in.  

Career Camps provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about a variety of career paths, hear from industry experts, and engage in hands-on activities that give them a taste of different professions. Students gain an understanding of different career fields by visiting worksites and participating in interactive learning experiences in various industries. 

Career Camps are designed to address the pressure of choosing a career path by providing a clearer understanding of what working within each field entails. Through these camps, employU helps students discover interests they may not have previously considered and guides them toward informed decisions about their future. 

In addition to the in-person camps, employU offers these camps and other youth services virtually. This ensures that students throughout the Keys have access to career development opportunities.  

These services virtual youth services include; 

• Psychological Evaluations 

• Vocational Evaluations 

• Career Camps 

• Self-Advocacy Classes 

• Work Readiness Workshops 

By providing virtual services, employU ensures that no student is left behind and offers flexibility that benefits students who may find it difficult to attend in-person sessions. The organization is committed to creating inclusive opportunities and ensuring that every student has the resources and support needed to succeed.  

Services for current job seekers are also available.  

Adult Employment Services offered include 

• Psychological Evaluations (offered virtually) 

• Vocational Evaluations (offered virtually) 

• Pre-Employment Training (offered virtually) 

• Job Placement 

• Job Coaching 

As employU expands into the Florida Keys, individuals with disabilities now have greater access to resources that help them succeed in their careers. Whether it’s through hands-on learning at career camps, virtual workshops that can be accessed from anywhere, or tailored job placement support, employU is committed to helping the residents of Monroe County explore their potential and find fulfilling career paths. This is a significant step toward ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background or abilities, have the tools they need to succeed in the workforce and achieve their career goals. 

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