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The programme begins with a four week evaluation and assessment intended to help course members to review, objectively, their employment options. A series of tests is administered for aptitude, basic education and communication skills and to determine interests and abilities. Professional vocational counsellors then help the members to evaluate their status and consider the next appropriate step in their vocational recovery.

At this stage EPRA members learn to deal effectively with personnel departments and employment agencies. Here they develop competitive attitudes and strategies which can be utilised in the job market. The members have a choice either to be referred to potential employers who have been contacted by our job development staff, or be assisted by counsellors in developing their own job leads.

In phase two, members are placed in selected work sites for a further 4 weeks to perform in an atmosphere which will allow them gradually to make the transition to the discipline of a normal working life style. Goals:

• Develop positive attitudes and work disciplines
• Make the transition to structured work routine
• Manage work-related stress
• Restore confidence in abilities
• Learn to deal with on-the-job problems

Once the EPRA graduate has a full time job, EPRA helps toward achievement of their particular goals. Suggestions are offered on handling problems that may arise.... on how to keep the jobs they have acquired; they are counselled on making the right moves toward promotion in the chosen field. They are urged to attend regular evening sessions in EPRA's offices to share job-related experiences, problems and hopes, success and disappointments and have an opportunity to network with other employed EPRA graduates.

This phase consists of intensive classroom work and study attuned to regaining and developing "employability skills", the kind which will convince employers the EPRA candidate is the best candidate for the post s/he wants to fill. With the help of vocational counsellors the EPRA programme helps its members write resumes, acquire ease of interviewing through practice sessions on videotape and develop discussion techniques.

A successfully employed EPRA graduate can use the EPRA Members Asssociation to network job opportunities with other EPRA members. They can share continued growth and career accomplishments by engaging with other EPRA members. A newsletter, seminars, fund raising, and social functions are part of the Association's activities.