DWS campaign aims to help Utahns find better careers

Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS) has launched a campaign to help job seekers improve their career paths and provide a more skilled workforce for Utah employers. The new Career and Education campaign includes a revamped website to make it easier for individuals to apply for assistance.

“Whether you’re a job seeker looking for your next opportunity or an employer looking to expand, we want you to know you have options,” said DWS workforce development director Elizabeth Carver. “The Workforce Development Division fuels Utah’s economic engine by supporting the workforce with training, education and other resources. Aligning the skills and knowledge for our citizens with the needs of employers is our top priority.”

With Gov. Spencer Cox’s recent announcement that Utah will opt out of the pandemic-specific federal stimulus programs, job seekers looking for new opportunities can take the next steps that could lead to a new job and higher wages by enrolling in the program,

Further information is available at jobs.utah.gov/career.

Carver said the program is designed to provide:

• Short-term training assistance for occupational certificates or licenses for careers in fields including construction, cybersecurity, software development, advanced manufacturing, pharmacy, diesel mechanics and medical assisting.

• On-the-job training directly from employers. Usually, this involves hands-on learning with any employer in any industry that is willing and interested. Examples are as varied as industries — from the medical field to insurance, web specialists to childcare and many others.

• Apprenticeships for classroom learning and paid hands-on experience in the field.

• Tuition assistance to help complete a GED certificate or college degree. Technical and higher education schools are implementing new programs to make their classes more accessible during the pandemic, expand online options and increase flexibility for students.

Carver said that financial assistance is available for eligible individuals over the age of 14 who have been laid off or those who have a qualifying income.