Workforce Development
From Learning to Meaningful Work
CAA’s Workforce Development Program helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build professional skills, explore career interests, gain hands-on experience, and move toward meaningful paid employment.
Through classroom learning, individualized mentorship, practical training, and paid work experience, participants develop the confidence and skills to contribute their talents in the workplace and their communities.
Who We Serve
The program is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to explore their strengths, prepare for employment, and gain experience in a field that reflects their interests.
Participants are pursuing goals in areas such as education, journalism, photography, performing arts, technology, office administration, hospitality, music, and event planning.
How the Program Works
The Cardinal Apprentice Program, or CAP, provides a progressive pathway from learning to employment. Each phase includes two semesters and reflects CAA’s ARTS Instructional Model©.
- Fellowship: Build the Foundation
Participants develop foundational employment skills, including professional communication, personal development, goal setting, career exploration, and workplace expectations.
- Internship: Practice and Apply
Participants strengthen their skills through job shadowing, hands-on projects, mentorship, and practical workplace experience.
- Apprenticeship: Learn While Earning
Participants move into paid work-study positions aligned with their career goals. They continue receiving instruction, mentorship, and on-the-job training as they build independence and professional experience.
- Employment: Continue the Journey
CAA supports participants as they pursue ongoing employment opportunities within CAA and with community employer partners.
Our Impact
100%
Program graduation success rate
80%
Graduates secure employment
100%
Graduates would recommend the program
18 months
Average time to placement in a paid position at CAA
Why Workforce Development Matters
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have valuable skills, interests, and professional aspirations, but they are too often excluded from traditional career pathways.
CAA is helping close that gap by combining inclusive education with real-world experience. Participants are supported not only in learning how to get a job, but also in discovering where their talents can make a meaningful contribution.
The program also helps employers create more inclusive workplaces by connecting them with prepared candidates and providing guidance around accommodations, onboarding, and ongoing support.
A Program Built Through Partnership
CAA’s workforce development initiative is strengthened by public investment and community collaboration, including a $2.2 million State of California grant, CAA’s campus partnership with West Valley College, and its Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship pathway.
Help Build More Pathways to Employment
For prospective participants and families:
Learn whether the program is the right next step in your CAA journey.
For employers and community organizations:
Offer mentorship, job-shadowing, work experience, or employment opportunities.
For donors and funders:
Help expand instruction, mentorship, paid apprenticeships, and employer partnerships so more adults with disabilities can pursue meaningful careers.
Contact:
Alison Gray, Workforce Development Manager