The Bobby Dodd Center Programs - Find out about the Tech Shop Program, Food Service Program, Explorers Program and more.
Tech Shop Program
The Tech Shop program at the Bobby Dodd Institute teaches students fundamental troubleshooting and repair skills to help secure employment in the IT industry. The Department of Labor (DOL) indicates that the technology field will continue to steadily grow in demand through at least 2010. Job growth will be driven by the increasing dependence of business upon technology, and the subsequent need for maintenance and repair. IT job seekers with knowledge of electronics, as well as repair experience should be excellent, as employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants, according to the DOL.
The six-month Tech Shop program answers that need by teaching students the building blocks of computer repair, from tools to materials to actual techniques, and will be taught using a mix of instructor-led discussion, textbook review, and hands-on experience. Approximately half of the time will be spent exploring the technical aspects of the daily lesson, and the other half to performance-based, computer-related lab activities.
At the completion of this program students should be able to:
- Maintain a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies
- Perform basic installation and configuration of computer hardware and software
- Demonstrate problem-solving abilities by diagnosing and repairing computer problems
- Perform preventive maintenance on all computer components
- Understand basic computer networking
- Work with computer components, keeping electrical safety in mind
- Utilize the training and skills taught here, and attempt to become certified by taking CompTIA's A+ Certification Exam.
Good Works Program
GoodWorks is a Georgia Department of Labor program that helps TANF applicants, recipients, and noncustodial parents become employed and move to self-sufficiency. Through GoodWorks, the Georgia Department of Labor works with the Bobby Dodd Institute to provide comprehensive assessments, job training, and job placement.
Food Service Program
The food service industry represents a wealth of hiring opportunities for those who have the requisite skill base. BDI can help by providing hands-on experience through our food service program. Trainees don't just hear about proper food service techniques, they receive firsthand experience in the food service industry by working at an on-site sandwich shop at a local engineering firm. The practical experience gained through this program allows trainees to become more competitive when seeking employment in the food service industry, and teaches them advanced customer relations skills.
The program will rotate participants through various common roles in the food service industry, including: Cashier: Greet customers and suggestive sell - Make change - Restock drink cups and serving utensils. Sandwich maker: Make sandwiches and cookies - Restock food on sandwich line
- Help keep line and floors clean. Dining room attendant: Stock up napkin holders, straw holders and condiments - Keep tables clean - Empty trash cans. Dishwasher: Wash dishes
- Get ice for drinks and Mop floor in back area
Building Trades
Building For Success teaches the basic building skills that will help to ensure successful employment in the field of construction. This 12-week program delves into many of the building blocks of the trade, from tools to materials to actual techniques, and is taught using a mix of videos, handouts, instructor-led discussion, and hands-on experience. Approximately half of the time is spent exploring the technical aspects of the daily lesson, and the other half to performance-based, construction-related lab activities.
At the completion of this program students should have the ability to:
- Understand, interpret, and employ basic building concepts.
- Perform basic construction-related math related to certain construction projects.
- Use effective learning techniques to acquire and apply new building knowledge and skills.
- Take initiative to accomplish tasks in a timely manner
- Demonstrate dependability and responsibility in the construction trade.
- Work to satisfy customer or client expectations.
- Operate and maintain tools and equipment safely.
- Demonstrate understanding of his or her role and responsibilities as an entry-level employee in the construction trade.
Work and Progress
At Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI), we help people with disabilities to learn, to work, to be independent, and to have the dignity of fully participating in the community. With these ideals in mind, we created the Work & Progress Program to provide both work experience and social enrichment opportunities to people who have severe disabilities* and who may face additional challenges to employment. Work & Progress participants spend half a day participating in hands-on job training on BDI's workfloor. The other half of the day is devoted to life enrichment activities ranging from classroom projects to field trips in the community. Work & Progress aims to raise people with disabilities' expectations of themselves as they realize that they can participate and work in our community. With your help, we can do it! How you can get involved: Partnering with community organizations and businesses is critical to the success of the Work & Progress Program.
There are many ways for your business to be involved:
Host a field trip to your place of business to talk about related job opportunities or provide a lesson. Send your staff to accompany the students on a community field trip. Visit the classroom to help teach a lesson related to your line of business *developmental or cognitive disabilities like autism, down syndrome, and severe mental retardation.
Explorers Program
The Explorers Program reaches out to teens with disabilities to help them not only complete high school, but graduate equipped with the skills that will help them be successful in competitive community employment. The intended result is a seamless transition from school to work. The program was created in conjunction with the Atlanta City School System and the Georgia Department of Rehabilitation Services. The program is split into two core components: traditional classroom lessons and hands-on job training. Half of the day is spent in our multimedia classroom, where students complete individual and team projects and have the opportunity to build up their computer skills. The other half of the school day is spent in hands-on job training, or "work adjustment," which develops basic work habits, behaviors, and skills that are critical for future workplace success. The program provides on-the-job training in the areas of packaging, assembly and hand work on BDI's warehouse floor. What skills will the program build?
Independent living skills - increase self-reliance - plan and budget with paychecks - understand proper grooming & hygiene - understand healthy eating habits - understand basic money and banking concepts - use public transportation
Career exploration - identify potential job possibilities - build appropriate interview skills - take initiative to build job skills - understand effective behaviors to keep a job
Social skills - increase listening and conversation skills - demonstrate ability to listen & follow instructions
Computer skills - use the computer - recognize basic computer commands - access the Internet
- communicate via e-mail
Recreation & leisure - identify recreation and leisure options - identify activities to meet new people - order from a menu in a restaurant and leave a tip - use community resources - complete arts and crafts projects - participate in local & state Special Olympics
Veterans Assistance
This program provides training and placement to those who served our country.
Interfaith Disability Connection
Interfaith Disability Connection (IDC) is fundamentally about connections. We connect the faith community with the disability community. We connect faith leaders with critical resources to promote change. We connect people with disabilities to faith community membership. We connect questions to answers. IDC is the interfaith community's go-to resource for accessibility, diversity, and inclusiveness issues. From advice to tips to in-depth consultation, IDC offers the level of support necessary to successfully integrate people with disabilities into places of worship.
D.O.L. General Info
