Work Experience Program: Reentry & Recovery Pathway

The Work Experience Program offers paid, on-the-job training specifically for eligible participants who are justice-involved or participating in the Reentry & Recovery Program. This initiative provides a pathway to skill-building, meaningful work, and long-term economic stability, empowering participants to overcome barriers and re-enter the workforce with confidence.

Through placements in tribal departments and trusted community partner organizations, participants gain practical experience while receiving continuous support and guidance. Our approach is holistic—addressing both professional development and personal growth—so that participants leave the program prepared for permanent, unsubsidized employment.

Participant Support Services

Educational Support

Career workshops to strengthen job skills and workplace knowledge.

Employment Services

Guidance with résumé writing, cover letter development, job applications, online job searching, and interview techniques.

Career Development

Career assessments and motivational training to help participants identify, pursue, and achieve their career goals.

Employment Portfolio

Each participant completes the program with a professional portfolio to showcase their skills and qualifications, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be enrolled in a Federally recognized tribe, demonstrate proof of tribal enrollment or provide a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must reside within the service area (see Communities Served)
• Open to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, economically disadvantaged, experiencing skill gaps, or seeking training or retraining for full-time employment.
• Must be able to pass a drug screening

Program Impact

• Builds essential workplace skills and confidence.
• Provides hands-on experience within meaningful, real-world roles.
• Connects participants to supportive mentorship and career guidance.
• Equips individuals with tools to secure long-term employment and achieve personal growth.

Work Experience Program

The Work Experience Program is a paid, on-the-job training initiative administered by the Tlingit & Haida Employment & Training Department. Rooted in community, the program provides participants with meaningful work experience, professional skill development, and comprehensive support to help participants become job-ready and succeed in long-term employment.

The Work Experience Program provides three service pathways:

Career Development Pathway: Designed for eligible participants seeking to gain workplace experience, improve job skills, and strengthen professional readiness. Participants are placed within tribal departments and trusted community partners, receiving mentorship, skill-building workshops, and career guidance.

Reentry & Recovery Pathway:
Tailored for eligible participants who are justice-involved or participating in the Reentry & Recovery Program. This program focuses on removing barriers to employment, building confidence, and equipping participants with the tools needed for long-term success. Participants gain practical experience, personalized support, and guidance to re-enter the workforce and achieve economic stability.

Evergreen Elder’s Work Experience Pathway (view information): The Evergreen Elders Work Experience Program is a paid on-the-job training initiative designed for Tlingit & Haida tribal citizens aged 55 and older. The program assists eligible participants in reentering the workforce by offering comprehensive educational support and employment services to develop employable skills and enhance job opportunities. Through placements within our tribal departments or with external partners, the program assists participants in securing and maintaining permanent, unsubsidized employment. Upon completion of the program, each participant will receive an employment portfolio to support their job search efforts. Specific guidelines are in place to ensure that if a tribal citizen receives SSI benefits, the income from their job placement will not impact those benefits.