The primary goal of the Job Corps program is to prepare students for long-term success in the workforce. The Job Corps career development services system (CDSS) helps to ensure the success of all students by providing a four-phase approach to service delivery that matches student education and training needs with an individualized training plan.

The personal career development plan (PCDP) serves as a blueprint for a student's Job Corps experience. This plan is updated continuously throughout all CDSS periods. The career development specialist and other staff should work with the student to develop this plan in the same manner as for a student without a disability.

The plan will help the student identify short-term and long-term goals, barriers to optimum independent functioning, and strategies/supports that will allow the student to fully participate in the Job Corps program and in the community after Job Corps. If the student has a plan (e.g., IEP, IWEP, etc.) developed by another service provider (e.g., school system, public/private agencies, vocational rehabilitation) the disability coordinator and student should review the plan to determine useful information for the PCDP.

Keep in mind that involving students with disabilities in CDSS activities is based on the same criteria as that of all students—as determined by their knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests. This section, however, will only address issues that may be of particular importance to a student with a disability.