Services
Connecting People
To Opportunity
WestBridge Vocational (formerly Webster Enterprises) provides contract services for the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Our staff of experienced education and training professionals work with more than 100 adult clients each year to improve their job skills and employment marketability. Our training, job placement and follow-up programs are recognized as some of the most effective in the region. All services are provided at no cost to the individual.
Contact Program Services Manager Sarah Kearse, 828-333-7483 or skearse@westbridgevoc.org for more information.
Who we serve
Our Clients
If you have a disability or disadvantage that prevents you from seeking employment, WestBridge can help break down barriers and create opportunities. You must be a resident of Jackson, Macon or Swain County in North Carolina or the Qualla Boundary.
Please contact the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Sylva office at 828-586-4032 for a referral.
Vocational
Training & Programs
Our training programs start with careful and thorough evaluation of each client’s aspirations, abilities and opportunities for improvement. Clients are given paid work in our medical products division where we observe their abilities, work habits and their interactions with other clients, employees and supervisors. In cooperation with each client and their guardian, we develop a plan to improve job skills, job search and interview techniques. In addition, Southwestern Community College offers on-site job preparation and life skills classes to our clients.
We help each client look for competitive employment in his or her community. Our job coaches help complete job applications and resumes and help set up job interviews. Once a client finds work, we continue our support through on-the-job coaching and long-term follow up. We enjoy close relationships with several employers in western North Carolina.
Training
Soft-Skills Training
Our employment specialists work with clients on resume preparation, job interview skills, job searches, and organizational behavior skills.
Training
Employment Training
Once employed, we provide continued coaching and on-the-job support needed to sustain good working relationships.
Training
Integrated Work Training
Our manufacturing setting supports our mission as workers with recognized disabilities and disadvantages work alongside experienced staff.
Program
Bridge to Work
Bridge To Work is a program that provides on-the-job training and soft skills training. This program will teach participants about workforce expectations and give them short-term work experience. This short-term work experience should provide participants with self-awareness regarding their strengths, interests, and needs to be successfully employed and maintain employment.
Program Benefits
• Paid work experience
• Increased knowledge of workforce expectations
• Improved work preparation and self-advocacy
• Work-based coaching, instruction, and feedback
Program
Pre-Employment Transition Services
PreETS is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program that provides vocational preparation assistance to students with disability. PreETS coaches help prepare participants for transitioning into employment or job training after high school.
Eligibility Criteria
• Students between the ages of 14 and 21
• Living in the NC counties of Jackson, Macon or Swain, or on the Qualla Boundary.
Program
Work Adjustment Services (WA)
Work Adjustment Training
Includes activities to improve and increase productivity, attendance, punctuality, ability to work with others, work tolerance, and ability to work under supervision. This service is typically facility based but under certain circumstances and with the approval of the Division, may be community based.
Job development/ placement
Assistance with securing competitive integrated employment that is consistent with the goals of the consumer.
Job Coaching
One on one, short term job support with the consumer to ensure successful employment.
Program
Supported Employment (SE)
Provides assistance to adult consumers with choosing, acquiring and maintaining a job. Initial Supported Employment, assists individuals with developing skills to seek, obtain and maintain competitive employment or develop and operate a microenterprise.
Employment positions are found based on individual preferences, strengths and experiences.
Program
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a unique transition program for young adults with disabilities. It provides individuals with the chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills. Our ultimate goal is to see students succeed as independent adults in a competitive environment.
Program Benefits
• Job training internships within a real business
• Competitive, transferable, marketable job skills
• Increased independence, confidence, and self-esteem
• Improved communication and problemsolving skills
• Work-based coaching, instruction and feedback
Eligibility Criteria
• Desire to work in the community at conclusion of program
• Must be at least 18 years of age and completed final year of high school • Must commit to attendance expectations
