Hands On Vocational Explorations

Hands On Vocational Explorations Hands On Vocational Explorations is a program created by Hands On Educational Svcs. to assist young

Vocational Explorations is modeled after our award-winning training "Hands On @ Hyatt", which started in 1998. Our program is made possible through a unique partnership with FL Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, school districts, and local business partners who allow our students to participate in mini internships. These business-based experiences help the students to learn more about various industries before they leave high school.

We are so proud to celebrate Mikey’s SMOC1 Journey: Awareness, Resources & Hope on successfully completing his Ha...
07/23/2026

We are so proud to celebrate Mikey’s SMOC1 Journey: Awareness, Resources & Hope on successfully completing his Hands On Vocational Explorations internship as a Dining Room Guest Attendant at Culver’s of Riverview! 🍔

Mike showed up every day with hard work, dedication, and a smile that brightened the whole restaurant. His effort didn’t go unnoticed — and we couldn’t be more excited to share that Mike has been offered a continued position on the Culver’s team! 👏 This is exactly what our program is all about: real skills, real opportunity, and a real future.

A huge thank-you to William, General Manager at Culver’s of Riverview, for opening the doors to Mike and for believing in the mission of Hands On Educational Services. Employers like William and Culver’s make opportunities like this possible. 🙌

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vocational Rehabilitation for their continued funding and support of this program, helping individuals like Mike gain valuable, hands-on work experience.

Way to go, Mike — this is just the beginning! 🌟

Congratulations to Xavier for successfully completing his Hands On County internship! 🎉Xavier recently earned his maste...
07/09/2026

Congratulations to Xavier for successfully completing his Hands On County internship! 🎉

Xavier recently earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and his time with the County’s Stormwater Engineering Services team gave him hands-on, real-world experience he’ll carry into his engineering career.

A huge thank you to Aaron and the entire Stormwater team for the support and encouragement they gave Xavier throughout his internship. Thank you to Ron and the HR department for their continued guidance of the Hands On Education program, and to Vocational Rehab for their ongoing partnership and funding that makes this program possible.

We are so proud of Xavier and all the great work he did with the Hillsborough County Stormwater team! Congratulations as you begin your first engineering role with Lockheed Martin — we can’t wait to see where your career takes you! 🛠️📐

Here we have Ms. Lila on my recent visit to DoggyDay Inn. She has been hired as a Daycare Intern by Gus, the Owner. The...
07/01/2026

Here we have Ms. Lila on my recent visit to DoggyDay Inn. She has been hired as a Daycare Intern by Gus, the Owner. They are both shown in the attached photo. This is Lila's first job! She loves dogs and has several of her own. At this time, she is working Saturdays for Gus, with potential expanded hours in the future. We would like to thank Gus and all at DoggyDay Inn for mentoring Lila! Another round of applause goes out to the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, our funder, who makes all of this happen! Lila is loving her charges and learning what it means to be a good employee! Keep up the good work Lila! Woof!

Here we have Mr. Josiahs with his Supervisor Stacy at Publix@Hyde Park. Another photo shows him retrieving carts from t...
06/08/2026

Here we have Mr. Josiahs with his Supervisor Stacy at Publix@Hyde Park. Another photo shows him retrieving carts from the parking garage which is one of his major duties! We would like to thank Stacy and all at Publix@Hyde Park for mentoring and having Josiahs! He really LOVES his job! Another round of applause for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for being our funder and making this all happen. Josiahs just finished his Vocational Exploration and will be staying on with Publix moving forward! Congratulations to the Big Guy! A graduation ceremony for Josiahs and Publix is in his future to give credit to Josiahs and thank Publix... You have found a home Josiahs!

🌟 Celebrating Joshua’s Success! 🌟Today we are proud to recognize Joshua for successfully completing the Hands On Educati...
06/04/2026

🌟 Celebrating Joshua’s Success! 🌟

Today we are proud to recognize Joshua for successfully completing the Hands On Education internship program at MOSI - Museum of Science and Innovation.

Throughout his internship as a member of the Events Customer Service Team, Joshua demonstrated tremendous personal growth, determination, and resilience. He consistently impressed his supervisors with his knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for science, while developing valuable workplace skills and confidence along the way.

Joshua’s hard work and dedication paid off in a big way—his supervisors were so impressed that they offered him the opportunity to continue in his role at MOSI! What an incredible achievement and a testament to the impact he has made as a team member.

A heartfelt thank you to MOSI’s leadership and staff for partnering with Hands On Education, believing in Joshua’s potential, and providing an inclusive environment where he could showcase his talents and succeed.

We would also like to thank Vocational Rehabilitation for funding and supporting our program, helping create meaningful pathways to employment and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Congratulations, Joshua! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future. 🎉👏🔬✨

Here we have Mr. Scott at his graduation ceremony from University Bicycle Center, where he was a Bike Repair Intern... ...
05/14/2026

Here we have Mr. Scott at his graduation ceremony from University Bicycle Center, where he was a Bike Repair Intern... Scott was very well-liked at UBC and fit right in with the crew! He is a bike enthusiast which made transition to his internship very easy. We would like to thank Carlos Jr, Carlos Sr., Alec and all at UBC for their kindness and mentorship. Another round of applause for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation who is our funder and made this all happen. Also, thank you to Melinda and Eric, Scott's parents for developing such a fine man! UBC is a three generation family run business started in 1972! What a great place for Scott not only to learn about the world of work but how a family team comes together to makes it go! Shown in the photos are Scott with his parents Melinda and Eric, Carlos Jr. & Carlos Sr. the owners, The Crew with the 4th generation UBC owners (the kids) and even the Family Dog! What a wonderful celebration! Scott, you learned from the best! Good luck to you in your career moving forward!

Here we have Mr. Josiahs hard at work at Publix/Hyde Park on a recent April afternoon! He is shown with his Supervisor,...
04/23/2026

Here we have Mr. Josiahs hard at work at Publix/Hyde Park on a recent April afternoon! He is shown with his Supervisor, Tim, as well as assisting his Dad, Sal, in the check out line. A perfect opportunity for Josiahs, since he is still in high school and can work evenings and weekends. Josiahs loves his job and the people he works with. All at Publix feel the same way about the Big Guy! We would like to thank Tim and all of Publix for mentoring and supporting Josiahs as he enters the workforce. Also, a big thank you to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, our funder, who makes this all happen! Josiahs has found a home and is truly appreciative that Publix gave him this chance. Keep working hard Josiahs, take those extra hours when offered, and show up on time, and you will be rewarded!

My distinct apologies to Ayan! I clarified his post to identify the particular store and I posted the wrong store by mi...
03/25/2026

My distinct apologies to Ayan! I clarified his post to identify the particular store and I posted the wrong store by mistake.... The store he interned at and now has a part-time job with is Publix/Britton Plaza. Forgive me all...

Clarification on a recent post. Ayan interned and will work at Publix/Hyde Park... We want to make sure they are recogn...
03/25/2026

Clarification on a recent post. Ayan interned and will work at Publix/Hyde Park... We want to make sure they are recognized and get credit for the support and guidance they gave Ayan!

Here we have Mr. Ayan following his graduation from Publix. The word I heard from everyone on staff regarding Ayan was ...
03/25/2026

Here we have Mr. Ayan following his graduation from Publix. The word I heard from everyone on staff regarding Ayan was POLITE.... Polite will get you far in this world Sir! He is shown with his Supervisor Jenn, his very proud parents Debrup and Rupa, as well as his Job Coach Mike.... Following his internship, Ayan has been offered a part-time position on staff! Ayan wishes to thank Jenn, Haley, Cass, Julius, Cade and Coby for their support and mentorship as he learned the ropes at Publix! We would also like to thank our funder, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for their support and referral! Ayan is a super young man with a good future ahead of him.. He has a wonderful, supportive family! It was truly a pleasure... Keep up the good work and be on time at Publix Big Man! Good luck as you graduate from high school and start attending college! You will do very well in your career! Keep smiling!

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6105 Memorial Highway Suite F
Tampa, FL
33615

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