Apprenticeships
TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship
Applications are now open for the TRAC (Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection) Teacher Program for the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited to invite motivated students to explore this NEW, career-launching opportunity. The Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC) program is a collaborative initiative that provides meaningful work experiences for students engaged in learning skills and competencies necessary for a successful career. Students split their time between the classroom and workplace, applying knowledge through a hands-on guided learning experience. In the TRAC Teacher Youth Apprenticeship program, students will work as part-time employees in the Salt Lake City School District as they pursue their education at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah on the way to a bachelor’s degree and a K-12 teaching license. Students may choose to pursue a degree in elementary education or special education.
The program is a partnership offered with Talent Ready Utah, Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake Community College, and the University of Utah. Students will gain classroom experience as a paraeducator to be mentored by educators and develop skills that lead directly to careers in education. The program is designed as a five-year commitment. The application is open now and must be submitted by Monday, April 27.
APPLY FOR TRAC TEACHER APPRENTICESHIP
Interviews will be conducted on the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 29 – East High School (AM)
- Friday, May 1 – West High School (AM) & Highland High School (PM)
Applicants who receive an apprenticeship placement will be celebrated at the TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship Signing Night on Wednesday, May 6th, from 5-7 PM at the district office.
Students interested in a future career in teaching are strongly encouraged to apply. See the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at each high school for more information.
TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship
Applications are now closed for the TRAC (Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection) Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program for the 2026–2027 school year.
TRAC is a competitive, three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship that allows students to apply during their junior year, begin their senior year, and complete the program with an associate's degree from Salt Lake Community College while gaining real-world, paid work experience with industry partners. This program is designed for students who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and exploring technical career pathways.
The program is a partnership offered with advanced manufacturing companies, Stadler Rail and Doppelmayr USA. Students are mentored by professionals and develop skills that lead directly to high-demand careers. Nearly 100 students have participated in this program since 2019.
TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship Signing Night
The TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship Signing Night will be held on Thursday, April 23, from 6-7 PM at the Salt Lake City School District Administration Building (406 E. 100 S., SLC, UT 84111). This event honors students who have been offered an apprenticeship placement to sign on to join the 2026-27 cohort. It's a great night to celebrate the start of their career pathway that connects education, industry, and future success.
Did You Know?
Salt Lake City School District leads the state in the number of apprenticeship opportunities for students. Apprenticeships combine training in high-wage, in-demand careers with the opportunity to attend college for free.
If you have younger students, college pathways and career apprenticeships may seem far in the future for your family. But you need to know that we are building new opportunities your students can look forward to as they progress through their education in the district.
In 2018, we partnered with Stadler Rail, a Swiss train manufacturing company, to create Utah’s first youth apprenticeship program. Students start working as apprentices during their senior year, spending half their time taking high school classes and the other half getting paid work experience at the Stadler Rail facility in Salt Lake City. The apprenticeship continues for two more years as students earn an associate degree – paid for by Stadler – in advanced manufacturing at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). Students who complete the apprenticeship (three years total) leave with early expertise in electrical or mechanical skills, paid work experience, two years of free postsecondary education, and the promise of an interview for a full-time job at Stadler. More than 60 students have participated so far, and many are still working for Stadler Rail.
In 2023, we launched our second youth apprenticeship with Utah PaperBox, a local manufacturing company. And recently, we announced two additional youth apprenticeships with Doppelmayr and Mondi.
New in 2026 was the addition of Complex Fabricators, a local metal manufacturer, to the TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship. The long-awaited TRAC Education Apprenticeship was also announced, with student apprentices working as paraeducators for Salt Lake City School District before continuing to Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah for a full pathway in education careers.