Vernon Next STEP Grad Finds Success In The Workplace

VERNON, CT — A recent graduate of the Vernon Public Schools Next STEP program has turned a vocational training opportunity into steady employment, highlighting the success of a district initiative aimed at helping young adults with special needs prepare for independence and careers.

The Next STEP program, operated by Vernon Public Schools for more than two decades, provides special needs students ages 18 to 22 with vocational training, independent living instruction, self-advocacy skills and opportunities to build positive social relationships.

A key part of the program involves partnerships with local businesses that provide students with workplace experience and, in some cases, long-term employment.

One recent success story is 22-year-old Peter Kratzke, who completed the program after gaining work experience at Chili's Grill & Bar in Manchester.

Kratzke initially began bussing tables during his placement but later asked to learn additional responsibilities in the restaurant’s dish room, according to Next STEP Program Director Peter Lynch.

“Peter caught on pretty quickly,” Lynch said. “Management noticed.”

After building experience on the job, Kratzke applied for a permanent position and interviewed with restaurant management.

“He asked me what makes me an asset to the team,” Kratzke said. “I am punctual. I am here all the time. And I really like it here.”

Kratzke was hired and has continued to impress managers with his initiative and work ethic.

“When he doesn’t have anything going on in the dish room, he takes it upon himself to grab the silverware and sort it,” Chili’s manager Debbie Curtis said. “He’ll also grab a bus bucket and help the servers bus their tables. When he has down time he just finds something else to do.”

Curtis said that kind of initiative is especially valuable in an employee. In addition to dish room duties, Kratzke also assists with food preparation and other tasks as needed.

“I am punctual. I am here all the time. And I really like it here.”

Peter Kratzke

School officials said the program focuses on helping students develop workplace skills and habits that employers value.

Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa said Lynch helps students build important character traits that can lead to long-term success, including learning to seek out additional responsibilities after completing assigned tasks.

“For some of our students who have special needs, the 18- to 22-year-old time span for them is critical in setting them up for success,” Testa said.

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More information about the Next STEP program is available through Vernon Public Schools.