Preparing students for future job success starts with aptitude discovery and career exposure. Allowing students to see their strengths and talents helps guide them toward careers they may not have otherwise considered. They can see what they’re naturally good at and explore options that match their abilities and interests.
Changing the trajectory: A student success story
A study on the gender gap in STEM fields underscores the importance of exposure, particularly for female students. Girls who are introduced to STEM early in their education are far more likely to pursue careers in these fields later on.
This was true for Utah student Abigail Tyer. Raised in a community where women in STEM were scarce, she had little exposure to what these careers might look like. Tyer took an aptitude assessment and the results revealed acuity in STEM. She was introduced to several STEM career opportunities, including aerospace. Her newfound interest led her to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and data analytics at Utah State University.
“I had no idea how well my natural talents aligned with the skills needed for a career in aerospace,” Tyer says. “Aptitude testing not only helped me recognize my strengths but also gave me the direction to pursue a field I am passionate about.”
Tyer’s story is not unique. Many students possess the skills needed for a career in STEM but lack the exposure to understand what these careers look like. Making the connection between aptitude and job possibilities helps close that gap and lets students like Tyer forge a career path they can embrace.
Partnerships for the future of Utah’s aerospace industry
Utah’s defense industry is a key pillar of the state’s diverse economy, generating more than $19 billion in economic activity and supporting 211,000 jobs. Since 2015, the sector has nearly doubled in size, underscoring the growing importance of aerospace and defense in the region.
For local businesses like Apogee Worx, a company specializing in aerospace manufacturing, the industry’s expansion brings opportunities but also a challenge: the need for a skilled workforce. Brian Janroy, co-owner of Apogee Worx, discovered that finding the right talent isn’t easy. He turned to YouScience, a college and career readiness platform. The collaboration lets Apogee Worx reach more than 3,200 students across Utah, allowing them to see career opportunities in aerospace and defense manufacturing, and match their skills to job pathways in these industries.
The three companies are also working together to develop a new certification designed specifically for aerospace and defense manufacturing. The certification will provide students with industry-specific skills and align educational outcomes with workforce needs. As Utah’s aerospace industry continues to expand, certifications like these coupled with specialized training will ensure that students are equipped to step into critical roles and meet the challenges of the future.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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