GOED announces 2018 Medical Innovations Pathways graduates

Pete CodellaNews, Talent Ready Utah

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce the 2018 graduating class of the Medical Innovations Pathways (MIP) program. A total of 49 students from Alpine, Canyons, Davis, Granite, Jordan and Tooele school districts gathered at the Utah State Capitol on May 2 to receive their Medical Innovations Certificate and were recognized for successfully completing the program.

“The life science industry is one of Utah’s fastest growing industries and finding talent is a critical issue that we are helping to address through the MIP program,” said Val Hale, executive director, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “This Talent Ready Utah program is helping to fill the talent pipeline while giving students more educational opportunities and possibilities for a successful future.”

Students who enroll in the MIP program choose either a medical device manufacturing or laboratory track. Both tracks require students to complete special classroom studies and time in the field completing job shadows with experienced industry professionals. Upon completion of the certificate, students are guaranteed a job interview with participating companies.

“The Medical Innovations Pathways program is a wonderful partnership between industry and education,” said Travis Sessions, CEO of Biomerics. “Increasing the awareness of the industry among these students through courses and job shadows will be a tremendous help in building our talent pipeline, in this important industry.”

The MIP program, launched in 2016, is one of the pathway programs under the Talent Ready Utah initiative, where Gov. Gary R. Herbert has encouraged industry and education to partner together to help fill workforce needs. Participating companies include BD Medical, BioFire, Biomerics, Edwards Lifesciences, Fresenius, GE Healthcare, Merit Medical, Nelson Labs, Sorenson Forensics, Stryker and Varex Imaging.

Over 1,000 Utah life science companies provide more than 70,000 jobs. With strengths in medical device manufacturing, advanced diagnostics, biotech and pharmaceuticals, the industry delivers innovative technologies and novel therapies that improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer, heart disease, stroke, rare disorders and other serious disease.