Work-Based Learning Experiences
Structured hands-on and simulated workplace experiences, client interaction and consultation, service workflow, teamwork, workplace expectations, and application of skills.
Virginia DARS Group Pre-ETS
Beauty industry Pre-Employment Transition Services
Youth Braid & Business Academy is an approved Virginia DARS provider of group Pre-Employment Transition Services, helping students with disabilities build career awareness, workplace skills, and real-world experience through an industry they are excited to explore.
Start a Referral
Interest-Driven Transition
Real experiences, practical workplace skills.
Youth Braid and Business Academy provides interest-driven, hands-on Pre-Employment Transition Services that connect career exploration with real-world work experiences. Students explore careers, practice workplace expectations, and apply what they learn through structured experiences that support employment, postsecondary training, and entrepreneurship.
Current Approved Service Focus
Three connected service areas.
Job Exploration Counseling
Career interests, beauty-industry occupations and pathways, education, training, and licensure awareness, plus entrepreneurship.
Workplace Readiness Training
Communication, teamwork, professionalism, customer service, time management, organization, sanitation, problem-solving, decision-making, and other transferable employability skills.
Program Design
Work-based learning leads the experience.
Youth Braid and Business Academy group Pre-ETS programming is designed with a strong emphasis on Work-Based Learning Experiences, supported by Job Exploration Counseling and Workplace Readiness Training. A program may be structured at approximately 50% WBLE, 25% JEC, and 25% Workplace Readiness, depending on curriculum length and delivery.
A Collaborative Approach to Transition
Designed around student strengths, interests, and next steps.
For DARS Counselors
Refer a student or connect with Youth Braid and Business Academy about an upcoming group Pre-ETS opportunity.
Make a ReferralFor Schools & Transition Teams
Bring engaging Pre-ETS experiences to students while complementing transition planning and school-based goals.
Plan a ProgramFor Students & Families
Explore a practical, welcoming way to build career awareness, confidence, workplace skills, and future options.
Contact Youth Braid and Business AcademyDARS Referral Form
Share the details we need to plan well.
Please do not include diagnoses or unnecessary medical information. Use the supports field to share what Youth Braid and Business Academy should plan for participation.
757-561-0784