Utah’s commissioner of apprenticeship programs announced the launch of the state’s first comprehensive apprenticeship website, apprenticeship.utah.gov.

“As businesses struggle to hire enough workers and as many Utahns are striving to earn a living wage, there is no better time to consider apprenticeships,” said Melisa Stark, commissioner of apprenticeship programs. “Employers can hire employees to start right away and learn on the job, and workers can get paid to train for a lucrative career.”

Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways that are beneficial to both businesses and workers, Stark said. Workers get paid, on-the-job and related training, job security and portable credentials, certificates or degrees. Employers prepare their future workforce while reducing costs for recruitment, enjoying a 94 percent retention rate.

“Apprenticeships are an under-utilized pathway to a great, in-demand career,” said Rep. Mike Winder (R-West Valley City), who sponsored the state legislation that created the new commissioner role. “A four-year degree is not the only way.”