State of Utah offering free job training in several fields

Utah State University is partnering with the Utah System of Higher Education and Gov. Gary Herbert’s office to provide free short-term training to Utahans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Learn and Work program offers training for computer science, commercial truck driving, additive manufacturing, career and technical education and a certified nursing assistant program.

USU Vice Provost Paul Barr said the ability to offer the training comes from federal funding. 

“The federal government provided funding to individuals and states to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19,” Barr said. “The state of Utah decided to use a portion of that funding to invest in the short-term training of residents for employment. It was a decision to not only provide immediate assistance, but also long-term stability to the economy.” 

 To be eligible for free training, Barr said, the individual’s employment would need to be impacted by the pandemic. 

“The individual would qualify if they were unemployed, underemployed or vulnerable in the workforce. The funding is intended to help these individuals obtain the necessary skills to either enter the workforce or get the necessary skills to remain in the workforce,” he said. 

 The funds for the opportunity must be used by Dec.1, 2020. Barr said most programs have started, but some options are still available. 

“We would encourage any individual whose employment was impacted or may become impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to look into these programs and see if there is something that can help you improve your job skills,” Barr said. “There is a wide range of opportunities all across the state with something for almost everyone.” 

 Barr said the program is “a great opportunity for students.”

 “Each of the programs were reviewed at the state economic development level and were selected because of current or anticipated employment needs in these areas,” he said. “It is an opportunity to obtain skills in high-impact areas where they are projected to have job growth opportunities.” 

Several of the programs are also stackable. This means they overlap with related degree requirements and can later be applied toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.