The Work Experience component of Mercy's educational offering introduces our students to skills that they can master independently over a period of time. During this time, students are under the guidance of a job coach. Classroom skills such as math and English are put into practical application in the Work Experience Program. It is an invaluable component of their Instructional Plan.

Each worksite provides an introduction to basic work ethic skills. Becoming familiar with the work environment, learning new skills and adapting to education in a non-classroom setting are big steps for Mercy students. Mercy's goal is to provide positive experiences that remain with the students and help them to grow toward becoming diligent employees.

The worksite locations that serve as the basis for the program provide a wide variety of vocational experiences. Students are exposed to different jobs which helps the students match their skills with their passions. Maintaining an on-site Job Coach allows Mercy to view, first-hand, the strengths and weaknesses of the “employee” to help them master learned skills and continue to acquire new skills.

There are three key components that make up our program. They are:

1. Education- identifying the task and giving step-by-step instrutions for accomplishing it
2. Training- mentoring from the Job Coach to the student
3. Experience- practicing the skills previously discussed during one-on-one time with Job Coach. This is usually done once a week.

Once the task is mastered, then Mercy encourages the student to independently gather the tools required to complete his/her job.

The Work Experience Program is identified in detail on the students' Instructional Plan (IP).

We also acknowledge the following corporate entities that graciously serve as worksites for the Work Experience Program that offers our student’s vocational training:

• ABE Doors & Windows
• Friendly's
• Gillespie Printing
• Holy Family Manor
• Imperial Excavating
• Just Born
• Outback Steakhouse
• Ringer's Roost
• Roosevelt’s 21^st Restaurant
• Sacred Heart Hospital
• St. Paul's Church
• St. Thomas More School
• Yocco's West
• Yocco’s Trexlertown