EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN UTAH

BY: UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

After years of working as a server and bartender in Salt Lake City and Utah County, Jessi Webster was approached by a customer at work about changing careers. The customer told her she would be a good fit for an electrician apprenticeship. Webster was surprised and intrigued by the idea. While her job in the service industry had paid well, it didn’t provide a lot of benefits. She was ready for a change.

Webster applied for an electrician apprenticeship with Cache Valley Electric and recently completed her apprenticeship earning her electrician journeyman license. Her apprenticeship allowed her to get both classroom and on-the-job training all while getting paid. She said, “I really wanted something to call my own, some skills; and the apprenticeship gave that to me.”

Webster is just one example of many

Utahns who have taken advantage of the state’s strong economy to improve their careers.

Utah’s job growth remains above average at 3.1% and its unemployment rate is historically low at 2.1% (Oct. 2022). The low unemployment rate creates opportunity for individuals like Webster to get additional training or pivot their careers. Although there may be some slowing over 2023, Utah is in a good position to manage it. Nationally, there is a decline in the number of young people who can replace retiring Baby Boomers. But in Utah, there are roughly two young workers available to replace every one retiree due to the steady increase in the state’s population.

A Strong Economy

Although there is some uncertainty, the current economic climate provides great opportunities for Utahns who want to advance in their careers. It is a job seeker’s market and employers are competing for talent. In addition to increased wages, many employers offer sign-on bonuses, flexible schedules, and teleworking or hybrid opportunities.

“Right now, the Utah economy has a large amount of unfilled jobs,” said Mark Knold, Chief Economist for the Department of Workforce Services. “That non-filled void will disappear in a recessionary environment before any real jobs start to be impacted. The depth of that current, unfilled job cushion will determine if and when an upcoming national recession would actually bite into real jobs in Utah.”

In addition to apprenticeships, job seekers can improve their skills through short-term training and certifications in fields such as cybersecurity, software development, pharmacy technician, diesel mechanic, medical assistant, and more. Re-training does not need to be a full-time school commitment. Workers can work fulltime and participate in different training formats, including online, in-person, or on-the-job training.

Rural Opportunities

Genesis Schaerrer made a career change to work in tech after losing her job during the pandemic. She now works as a software developer specializing in customer relationship management systems for the Workflow Academy, based in St. George, Utah. The Workflow Academy runs software developer boot camps online and hires its own employees to work remotely from rural areas. Schaerrer enjoys the flexibility of her job and says she is able to maintain a positive work-life balance through teleworking. She stays in contact with her team through messaging and video conferencing.

Companies on the Wasatch Front are hiring remote employees in rural areas to help build their workforce. The Rural Online Initiative through Utah State University Extension provides specialized education and training for rural Utahns to help them obtain remote employment. Individuals who complete the Master Remote Work Professional certificate course through this initiative gain the skills and tools necessary for success in a remote environment. Over the last year, 255 Utahns graduated from the course and 113 were hired for a remote job, which is, according to the Rural Online Initiative, equivalent to more than 4,200 job placements on the Wasatch Front. Workers were hired in education, software and IT, retail and e-commerce, and more. Anyone looking for remote work can search for openings at jobs.utah.gov

Top Industries Hiring

Construction — With one of the fastestgrowing populations in the nation,

Utah’s residential housing needs have continued to grow. Approximately 15,100 construction jobs have been added in the last year.

Trade and Transportation — Utah’s need for the sale and delivery of goods continue to increase, contributing to about 11,300 more jobs over the last year.

Education and Health Services — Approximately 9,700 new jobs over the past year have been fueled by Utah’s population growth.

Anyone interested in a career change can get started exploring options with the Department of Workforce Services. They offer virtual job fairs as well as job coaching, resume help, and workshops at 30 employment centers statewide. Employment counselors can connect job seekers with opportunities for education and training including apprenticeships. Over 75,000 job opportunities are posted at jobs.utah.gov