Adopt-A-School program benefits students and businesses in Utah
Feb 23, 2022, 3:47 PM | Updated: Aug 15, 2022, 11:16 am
SALT LAKE CITY – Governor Spencer Cox called on local businesses Wednesday to tap into an up-and-coming workforce right here in Utah, particularly the rural parts of the state. It’s part of the Adopt-a-School initiative.
Some companies have already invested in students while they’re in school and the companies said it’s paying off.
“We have all these successful companies and they’re all doing good things,” Cox said. “Many of them are doing things in Africa and Asia which is wonderful but have no idea that just a few miles down the road there are huge needs right in their backyard.”
Cox touted an apprenticeship model with Stadler Rail and how it is currently helping Utah students.
The Swiss manufacturing company has a facility in Utah where workers build trains.
For the past three years, Stadler partnered with the Salt Lake City School District and Salt Lake Community College.
We're so excited to help launch the Utah Adopt-A-School initiative, a platform where businesses and schools can connect for support, career exploration, and more!
Thanks to Talent Ready Utah, @UTBoardofEd, Stadler Rail, Brainstorm, and so many others.https://t.co/r8H4wMFvZ6 pic.twitter.com/0LlXzQubyF
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) February 23, 2022
High school students split time between classes and on-the-job training in technical and manufacturing fields and they get paid.
“In just a few months, our first cohort of apprentices will graduate. They will do so with an associate degree in hand and also a job offer in hand,” said Lucy Andre, Stadler Rail, Chief of Staff.
Andre encouraged other businesses to reach out to schools in their neighborhoods.
She said it’s a worthy investment they won’t regret.
“It’s a great deal for the students but you know what, it’s an even better deal for us,” Andre said. “We gain skilled employees who contribute to, not only our workforce but to our community for years to come.”
The goal is to get at least 1,000 companies on board and matched with a school.
Companies that are interested can click here for more information.
