Transition Program Descriptions

The Transition Team offers 3 programs for students in their final year of high school. All programs are designed for students with the following ministry designations: A-G and K, and 19 years or under during the school year.

Community Transition Program (CTP)

This is a community-based PILOT program with a focus on Self-Determination, Independence, Employment/Vocational, and Adaptive living skills. The program planning is person-centred with a functional academic component and supported volunteer and work experience in the community. This program is currently located at Britannia Secondary. Bussing is provided initially with an emphasis on travel training to support independence in community. This program has a 1:3 ratio of student to staff. Transition planning is done to facilitate a transition to adult services with CLBC or other community agencies.

Gateway to Post-Secondary (GPS)

GPS is a part time course that starts each year in January and runs for approximately 15 weeks.  It is a partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC) and the VSB.  This course is designed to support successful transitions from secondary school into the post-secondary system and increase success for this group of learners.  Students attend the course at the downtown campus of VCC 3 days a week, and return to their Secondary school for the remainder of the week.  The course is comprised of both classroom activities and supported fieldwork.  A four week independent employment practicum is part of the program.  Employment practicums are facilitated and supervised by the VSB transition team. Work experience placements will be facilitated by the VSB transition team. Students must be independent in travel training and have completed one successful independent work experience to be accepted to the GPS program.

Gateway to Employment (GTE)

The GTE program is a part time community-based employment program. It is a partnership with CLBC and the VSB. The goal of GTE is part time paid employment. Students start in an unpaid work experience from September-December, 3 days a week for approximately 4 hours each day. Students also participate in a group social recreation program on Thursday afternoons from September to December. In January-June, the emphasis is on paid work and individualized social and recreational activities. Course credits can be earned for Active Living 12 and WEX 12A and WEX 12B. VSB partners with an adult employment service agency- (BEST) to provide job coaching and supervision during work experience, support the transition to paid employment, and facilitate community connections. Students must be CLBC eligible for this program as well as be independent in travel training and have completed one successful independent work experience. Referrals are made by the school and WEX team to the DRT.