Hands On Vocational Explorations

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!

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...

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!

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!

02/19/2026

Here we have Mr. Scott working hard at University Bike Center. He is receiving well-rounded training on overall bike repair, assembly and inventory management. Plus a smattering of sales and simply representing the organization and house.... Scott is a real bike ju**ie and knows all the lingo! He is a rider himself and fits right in with the crowd. Many thanks to Carlos, Manny, Alec, and Nico and all at UBC!! This is a rare business that is operated by three generations of the same family. Wonderful!! The pictures represent Scott and Carlos working on a bike as well as Nico's his son showing Scott the secrets of inventory management... A big shout out as well to the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, our funder.. Much appreciated. Scott is doing very well and fitting right in with the crowd! Keep working hard Big Guy!

02/16/2026

Several additional pictures of Ayan! Here he is with his Supervisor Jen and his Cashier Simon!

02/16/2026

Here we have Ayan working hard at Publix
/Britton Plaza! He is shown with his Team Lead Cass... He has been very well received and is doing a commendable job says all! Ayan is really enjoying the Publix experience and is working several days a week usually on weekends since he is still in high school... Putting in longer hours which shows Publix thinks a lot of him! We would like to thank Jen, his Supervisor, Cass and all at Publix for mentoring the Big Guy! Also a big shout out to the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for being our funder! Much appreciated! Ayan is closing all in on his 80 hour internship total and will be staying on Publix according to Jen! You're doing all right things Ayan! Keep your head down and keep working hard. Publix loves you!

12/16/2025

Our incredible business partner, Brazzeal Automotive, received an amazing honor to be recognized as the Tire Review Top Shop.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement. 🎉
Our Hands On Education intern, Ryan, is even pictured on the cover group photo.
🛞📸📸

Still feels pretty surreal seeing our shop on the front cover of Tire Review Magazine.

We’re incredibly grateful for our customers, our team, and the community that continues to support our family-owned shop. Thank you for being part of it!♥️

11/24/2025

Good luck to Angel, our latest Hands On Intern at Hillsborough County, Florida Government He will be training with Bob (pictured) and his team in the Information and Innovation Dept. Big high fives to Ron and Simone in HR (also pictured). They helped us get this partnership started in 2016 and they continue to support this awesome program.

This is a great example of a public / private partnership that is focused on the individuals that we collectively serve. Our state partners at Florida's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation coming together with our local government partners at Hillsborough County. It's a beautiful thing, and we are thankful for their support.

11/04/2025

Here we have Spenser with his 2 supervisors, Maryvette and Candi at Hyatt Place in downtown Tampa. Spenser was hired as a busser. He has done so well that they have expanded his duties! He now is in charge of restocking the breakfast bar, keeping that area clean, as well as delivering orders to tables. Candi says he is very friendly, smiles a lot and interacts well with customers. What a good report Spenser!! Many thanks to Maryvette, Candi and all at Hyatt Place for having the Big Guy and giving him this opportunity.... Another big hand goes to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for being our funder.. Keep up the good work Spenser! It shows and it is recognized!

10/29/2025

🎉 Congratulations, Ryan! 🎉

Ryan just completed his 80-hour vocational exploration at Brazzeal Automotive , and we couldn’t be prouder! 🚗🔧 He learned so much from the amazing mechanics and staff, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insight into the automotive world.

A huge thank you to Chris Brazzeal for giving Ryan this incredible opportunity, and to all the mechanics who took him under their wings and shared their knowledge and skills. Your guidance made a lasting impact! 🙌

Way to go, Ryan — we’re so proud of your hard work and dedication! 💪👏

10/10/2025

Good luck to Kayden, our very first Hands On Intern at Innisbrook Resort And Golf Club, Tampa Executive Chef Andrew Basch is hosting him and Kayden will be learning some awesome culinary skills - while working with some great chefs. We are confident that Kayden will make us all very proud 😎

Thanks to Kelsey in HR, for assisting with his onboarding and to our partners at Florida's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. What would we do without our wonderful community partners?!?