Participants & families
Get paid to build real work experience
Keystone Talent Bridge is a paid, 10-week program. You’ll work in a real business, learn skills employers actually want, and get help finding a job that lasts.
How the program works
1. Submit a referral
Complete the referral form with basic information about the individual and why Keystone Talent Bridge may be a good fit.
2. We review the referral
Our team reviews each referral to make sure the program appears to align with the individual’s interests, goals, and support needs.
3. We schedule an assessment visit
If we think there may be a fit, we contact the individual directly by email or phone to schedule a visit to our shop.
4. Come in, try the work, and meet the team
The assessment is intentionally relaxed. The individual spends some time working alongside our team on the production line so they can experience the environment and decide whether the work feels right for them. We also have a short, informal conversation about their interests, goals, and what they are looking for in a job.
5. Invitation to apply
After the assessment, our team determines whether Keystone Talent Bridge is an appropriate next step. Individuals selected to move forward are invited to complete an employment application and any required pre-employment paperwork or screenings.
6. Get hired and begin the program
Once the hiring process is successfully completed, the individual becomes a paid employee and begins the 10-week Keystone Talent Bridge experience, building workplace skills through real, supported employment.
The support you’ll have
Your support is built around you. Depending on what you need, it may include:
- On-site coaching and guidance
- Help with communication, setting goals, and speaking up for yourself
- Identifying and setting up accommodations
- Building routines and consistency
- Coordinating with other services you already use
What we expect from you
This is a real job in a real business, so we hold real expectations. We ask that you:
- Come to work consistently
- Arrive on time
- Communicate with your team
- Follow safety rules
- Accept feedback and use it
- Contribute to the team
Support and real expectations belong together. You’ll get help meeting these, and we won’t lower them.