Alfred “Bayo” Anifowose

Alfred Anifowose, who goes by the name of Bayo, has gained real-world experience and discovered a career he enjoys through his internship at Tire Outlet while enrolled in the Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Vertical Program.  

FSCJ’s Vertical program is an inclusive and interactive vocational, technical and employment readiness training program for adult students with intellectual disabilities in Duval and Nassau counties. Vertical, which stands for Vocational and Employment Readiness Training in Comprehensive Adult Learning, is made possible by a grant to support students with unique abilities. The program is designed to build pathways to employment, independence, and a meaningful college experience.  

“The instructors in the Vertical Program provide you with the tools that you need to succeed,” said Anifowose, a Certified Automotive Service Technician. “It’s an amazing experience and I found something that I love to do.” 

For his internship, Anifowose was placed at Tire Outlet, a complete automotive repair business that offers tire and auto services. While working alongside Certified Automotive Technicians, Anifowose assisted with non-technical service repairs such as oil changes, tire and wheel related services, alignments, flushes, and more. He also attended certification classes. Anifowose enjoyed the camaraderie with his coworkers and supervisors.  

“To be successful at this job, you can’t be shy,” said Anifowose. You must be willing to ask questions and keep on going.”   

These hands-on experiences allowed Anifowose to gain practical skills, build confidence in a professional setting, and receive the training necessary to earn a meaningful, industry-recognized certification, a credential that leads to employment in the community. The Vertical program fills an important need. Only 3.2% of students with intellectual disabilities go on to finish post-secondary education. 

“The Vertical program provides opportunities for students with unique abilities,” said Anita Joseph, Director of Postsecondary Transition Program, Florida State College at Jacksonville. “Our students have the same desires as any other students. They want to plan for their future, have social connections, and obtain the skills they need to enter the workforce. Our program allows them to be in an environment where they are supported and provides them with the resources they need to experience and grow.” 

The Vertical program’s focus is employment, but students are also immersed in the FSCJ experience, taking classes on campus and engaging in campus clubs and activities. The program’s partners, which cover a wide range of businesses including automotive, hospitality, healthcare, media, technology and more, make it possible for program participants to participate in internships and explore employment opportunities in the community. Partners who have provided internships include BridgeNEXT, Goodwill Industries of North Florida, and Handson@Hyatt which takes place at the Hyatt Regency.    

“The Vertical program provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to advocate for their future career pathway, and we can help guide them in that direction,” said Anna Alomar Kissoonlal, Case Manager and Career Specialist, Postsecondary Transition Program, Florida State College at Jacksonville.    

Following completion, students will receive support in direct job placement in employment positions in Northeast Florida. To learn more about the Vertical program or its business partnerships, email Vertical@fscj.edu.