EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

New aptitude tests help match Utah students with careers

Apr 6, 2022, 1:48 PM | Updated: Jun 20, 2022, 12:46 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has a new tool to better help its high school students plan for their future.

The Utah Legislature funded these new aptitude tests, which show students what they’re actually good at, not just what they like, and matches it to high-demand jobs.

Teachers and students say the test is a game-changer.

High school seniors like Ved Munot have looming decisions.

“I was confused about my options,” he said. “I was thinking, should I do law, should I do business? Do I want to explore medicine a little?”

So he took a new aptitude test that showed his strengths.

“I’m much more confident I can do those career choices because they match my abilities,” Ved said.

It’s a tool developed by Utah company YouScience, helping students match their abilities with in-demand jobs.

“Everyone wants to be a singer or a dancer, and that’s great, that’s fun, but that’s not what the economy can support,” said YouScience CEO Edson Barton.

YouScience data from more than 23,000 Utah students shows young people have four times more aptitude in computer and tech jobs than interest.

Unfortunate, because one in seven jobs in Utah is in tech.

(YouScience) (YouScience)

“Before, I used to think that I’m not capable of those kinds of things,” said student Elleona Worthen.

Elleona was thinking about a fashion career, but the test actually showed her natural talents are in management.

“And having YouScience say, wow, they think I can do that based on my strengths.”

“If you go into a career you’re good at, you’re going to make more money,” said Robert Scott, career coordinator at Skyline High School.

Good for student and state economies.

YouScience exposes students to a wider range of careers. Barton saw that need when his own daughter tested high in computer programming.

“She said, dad, that’s not me, that’s my brother,” he said. “It was heartbreaking, but eventually she took a course and it became her favorite course in college.”

Career counselors say the new test empowers students.

“They love the fact that, look at all these talents that I’m good at,” Scott said. “I’m not a nobody. I can do good things.”

“I know there are jobs out there for me that I could get soon, if I start my degree,” Elleona said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Top Stories

Education & Schools

...
Logan Stefanich

Alpine School District exploring potential closure of 5 elementary schools

The doors of five elementary schools in Alpine School District may be closing for good at the end of the school year due to seismic concerns.
1 day ago
Nashville school shooting...
Pat Reavy, KSL.com 

Quick actions of Nashville officers saved lives, former Utah chiefs say

The officers who stopped an active shooter at a Nashville elementary school on Monday did exactly what they were supposed to do.
1 day ago
Granite District K9...
Matt Rascon, Eliza Pace, and Lauren Steinbrecher

KSL+: Guns at schools and what’s being done about it?

Amid an increase in gun threats and incidents at some Utah schools, one school district is taking matters into its own hands to try and keep students safe.
6 days ago
Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...
Madison Swenson

UPDATE: Lockout protocol lifted at four Saratoga Springs schools

At approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the lockout protocol was lifted at Vista Heights Middle School, Thunder Ridge Elementary School, Lakeview Academy and Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs.
6 days ago
...
Kaitlyn Bancroft

A Black USU grad says a professor drew a racist cartoon of him. Now he’s suing

A former graduate student filed a lawsuit Monday against Utah State University over how the school handled his complaints about a professor he says drew a racist cartoon of him.
8 days ago
FILE PHOTO...
Associated Press

Lawyer: 29-year-old who posed as teen student was lonely

A 29-year-old woman accused of using false documents to enroll as a New Jersey high school student and attend some classes over a four-day period did so because she was lonely and longed to return to her days with friends in school, her lawyer said.
8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Stack of old laptops with dark background...
PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.
Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...
BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.
Close up of an offset printing machine during production...
Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.
vintage photo of lighting showroom featuring chandeliers, lamps, wall lights and mirrors...
Lighting Design

History of Lighting Design | Over 25 Years of Providing Utah With the Latest Trends and Styles

Read about the history of Lighting Design, a family-owned and operated business that paved the way for the lighting industry in Utah.
Fiber Optical cables connected to an optic ports and Network cables connected to ethernet ports...
Brian Huston, CE and Anthony Perkins, BICSI

Why Every Business Needs a Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system benefits businesses by giving you faster processing speeds and making your network more efficient and reliable.
notebook with password notes highlighted...
PC Laptops

How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Learn how you can create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember! In a short time you can create new ones in seconds.
New aptitude tests help match Utah students with careers