BEACON Career ServicesExploring and Discovering Career Opportunities
BEACON offers guidance and resources to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and succeed in meaningful employment.
Support may include a job coach who can help the individual confidently build career readiness skills and opportunities.
How it WorksHow to Access Our Services
Step 1 Get Referred & Build a Plan
To begin services, individuals are typically referred to BEACON through the California Department of Rehabilitation or Tri-Counties Regional Center.
Once referred, the individual’s needs, interests, and goals are reviewed to help determine the right services and supports to be successful.
Step 2Explore Skills & Career Opportunities
Individuals build life skills, discover new interests, and explore career paths through hands-on instruction and job assessments. Support may include a job coach.
Training opportunities may include BEACON-owned businesses and community workplaces across the Central Coast.
Step 3Gain Meaningful Employment
Individuals join our workforce of over 100 individuals with disabilities employed at BEACON-owned businesses or through BEACON-operated contracts.
Most of these employees work at Vandenberg Space Force Base or Naval Base Ventura County through BEACON’s federal contracts through the AbilityOne® Program.
Practical Assessment Exploration SystemPAES Lab
Did you know that BEACON operates the only PAES Lab in Santa Barbara County?
PAES is a hands-on, simulated work environment designed to help individuals explore career paths and build job readiness skills.
In the lab, participants complete real-world tasks across five career areas: business/marketing, computer/technology, construction/industrial, processing/production, and consumer service. As they work, they use real tools and equipment in a structured setting that mirrors an actual workplace.
Participants are evaluated on key job skills, including work quality and speed, professionalism, communication, problem-solving, independence, ability to follow directions, and workplace behavior. These insights help identify strengths, interests, and support needs to guide individualized career planning.
Support to Navigate CareersJob Coaching & Support
A job coach provides on-the-job support to help participants build skills, develop positive work habits, and succeed in meeting employer expectations.
