Unlock Your Potential with Work Prep
Thrive in your career: our comprehensive Work Prep programs help adults experiencing autism and the broader community of neurodivergent learners begin and navigate their professional journey.
Helping You Begin and Navigate Your Professional Journey
Interpersonal Skills
Training provides a customized program for building work-relationship and social proficiencies that may not come naturally. This training focuses on techniques to improve communication, relationship building, emotional regulation, and other essential competencies.
- Strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach
- Boost self-confidence and personal well-being
- Interactive coaching and hands-on practice
- Navigate social situations and collaborate effectively
Marketing Yourself
An interview preparation program designed to help individuals present themselves effectively in job interviews, with an emphasis on preparing and showcasing a design or technology portfolio.
- Assemble and refine your professional portfolio
- Select relevant work samples
- Mock interviews and presentation workshops
- Highlight technical aptitude and interpersonal strengths
Employment Support
Dedicated assistance with securing employment for individuals who may face unique challenges in the job search process. Fidgetech takes the time to get to know each person as an individual.
- Personalized job matching based on skills and interests
- Guidance through the placement process
- Connections with employers for internships and positions
- Understanding of ideal work environment preferences
Work Prep Is Part of All Our Certificate Programs
Every Fidgetech student receives Work Prep training as part of their program: portfolio, resume, mock interviews, and job placement support are all built in.
Barb Avila
Interpersonal Skills Instructor
My name is Barbara, but you may call me Barb. While I hold my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my master's degree in Developmental Disabilities, my most significant learning experiences have come from autistic individuals. I have dedicated over 35 years to the field of autism in various roles, including Early Interventionist, Group Home Parent, Teacher, and Consultant. As a consultant, I provide training to physicians, correctional staff, school and agency personnel, as well as offering insights and support to attorneys, support professionals, parents, and autistic individuals directly.
With Fidgetech, I am proud to offer the relationship aspect to employment for the students in all of our fabulous programs. I provide both group and one-on-one support as needed to ensure their readiness for interviews and to navigate workplace social expectations that may or may not be neurodiverse affirming. By guiding each student to understand themselves and how they engage in the world, together we target self advocacy and confidence in their future places of full and satisfying employment.
In my personal life, I live about 1 hour outside of the Portland Metro in Oregon, at the foot of beautiful Mt. Hood with my partner and our sweet little dog, Rio. My son is a young adult who lives and thrives in New York City. I do hope he comes back to live on the west coast one day but for now, I cherish our visits across the country.
Welcome to Fidgetech. You are seen, valued, and celebrated here. I look forward to meeting you!
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Apply to a Fidgetech program and get access to our full Work Prep curriculum: interpersonal skills, portfolio building, and employment support included.
Apply Now