Our Partners

The Smokey House Center model of work-based learning is a collaborative approach between SHC, local public and private schools, the Rutland Vermont Department of Labor Career Center, Stafford Technical Center, state agencies, local human service providers, and area employers, with each entity working to serve the same youth.  The ultimate goal of these partnerships is to provide on-going and comprehensive services, assuring that SHC’s year-round work-based learning programs are part of a regional plan to prepare all young people for adult roles in the workplace.  As a founding member of the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Rutland WIB’s Council on Youth, SHC works to increase opportunities for collaboration and to provide job training for local youth that reflects the demands of today’s labor market. 

Roles of these partners are as follows:

• Public schools provide middle and secondary school education and special education services, school-to-work services, truancy prevention, student health services, academic and personal guidance counseling, and job specific training (in some cases).
• Alternative public and private schools provide many public school services as well as clinical and therapeutic case management and psychiatric services.
• The Vermont Department of Labor provides case management services, employment training opportunities, an employment resource center, subsidized wages, transition services, support services, and summer employment opportunities.
• The Vermont Department of Child and Family Services offers a foster care program, family counseling, crisis management, case management services, transition services, as well as housing and independent living skills training.
• Rutland Mental Health Services provides intensive family based services, substance abuse counseling, crisis management, and mental health services.