The Vocational Education Department is involved in the vocational assessment, training and placement of all students at the Glen Mills Schools. The student is tested for certain aptitudes such as eye-hand coordination, verbal aptitude, motor coordination, manual dexterity and finger dexterity, etc.

In all, fifteen areas are tested with the greatest influence being that of the studentís expressed interest in one of our shop areas. These shop areas include: ceramics, art & design, journalism, optics, photography, print, radio broadcasting, audio recording and engineering, residential carpentry, auto body, welding, automotive technology, retail management, video production and architectural drafting.

After completing the initial evaluation process, the student is ready for the second step, the Vocational Learning Center. The student learns the basic reading and math skills needed for success in his respective shop as well as hands-on training skills. The shop experience rounds out the third phase of the process and leads him into the fourth and final aspect of the department, Career Development, which means the student is nearing his return to the community. Then the student is assigned and meets with his career counselor concerning his future.