The Utah Job Demand Buffer



By Gwen Kervin

 

Since March of 2022, the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates in an attempt to cool inflation and slow the economy. However, so far, the effect on Utah’s labor market has been minimal. Constricted labor markets following the COVID pandemic caused employers to have a hard time filling open positions. Because employers struggled to find workers, a large gap developed in unmet labor demand. This elevated wages, which in turn lured marginal workers into the labor force, helping to fill some of the vacancies. While Utah continues to turn in job growth numbers, growth rates have come down from the highs experienced in 2021 and 2022, resulting in a reduction in the unmet labor gap. Because of this, any additional Fed rate moves could have a more immediate influence on the Utah labor market going forward. More...




Growing Apprenticeship Opportunities in Utah




Apprenticeships are a great way to develop a skilled workforce in any industry. They are one of the many pathways that lead to a successful career. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction. They benefit employers by building a pipeline of high quality and motivated workers trained to the exact skills needed for the job. In Utah there are more than 280 registered apprenticeship programs and more than 4,100 active apprentices. Apprenticeships continue to expand in Utah with opportunities available in automotive, construction, manufacturing, information technology, health care and more. More...





Educating the Future Generation



Apprenticeship insights. Apprenticeship Utah.
Commissioner's Corner.
Photo of Utah's Commissioner on Apprenticeships Melisa Stark.Teacher Appreciation Week was May 8-12, 2023. Teachers are called many things: educators, mentors, instructors, etc. No matter what they are called, we can all agree they truly have an influence on lives both inside and outside of the classroom. Everyone can recall at least one teacher, if not more, who has profoundly impacted their life. Teachers are the rock stars of education and work tirelessly to enrich the lives of the next generation. More...