This week, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) and the Utah System of Higher Education’s Talent Ready Utah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Austria. Signed at the Utah State Capitol, this MOU formalizes collaboration between Utah and Austria to strengthen the state’s youth apprenticeship model, Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC), career and technical education (CTE), and technical college apprenticeship programs (TCAP).
“Utah is proud to witness this historic signing,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Strong apprenticeships and technical programs like TRAC, CTE, and TCAP are crucial for building a skilled workforce. This partnership with Austria provides students valuable access to hands-on training that will fuel economic growth and industry in Utah. It reflects Utah’s commitment to advancing workforce development and driving long-term economic success.”
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Her Excellency Dr. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria to the United States, and other dignitaries and state leaders attended this signing.
“It was an honor to witness this historic signing, which expands educational opportunities for Utahns,” said Henderson. “These vital apprenticeship programs bridge the gap between education and industry, offering Utahns a direct pathway to rewarding careers in our diverse and thriving workforce. Our international partnership with Austria, a global leader in apprenticeship education, will strengthen and empower our workforce and ensure a bright future for our state.”
This MOU outlines shared goals between Utah and Austria to improve apprenticeship programs, foster industry, educational, and governmental partnerships and offer student exchange opportunities. The agreement emphasizes joint efforts to increase apprenticeship opportunities in emerging industries to ensure students gain essential technical skills and workplace experiences that will lead to future career success.
“Collaboration on a global scale is essential to tackle future workforce challenges,” said Geoff Landward, Utah Commissioner of Higher Education. “By integrating Utah’s forward-thinking education strategies with Austria’s strong apprenticeship programs, we can more effectively equip students for in-demand careers.”
USHE Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah Vic Hockett, added, “The Utah System of Higher Education and Talent Ready Utah are honored to formalize this significant partnership with the Republic of Austria. This collaboration will allow us to exchange invaluable insights, ultimately enhancing and expanding our apprenticeship pathways to benefit students across Utah.”
Effective immediately, GOEO and Talent Ready Utah will work alongside Austria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy as designated primary coordinators for this initiative. To establish best practices in apprenticeship training and career education, critical plans will include collaborative exchanges, pilot projects hosted across USHE institutions, and working groups.
“Austria, along with Germany and Switzerland, has been a pioneer in apprenticeship-based education, working to address the pressing challenges resulting from skills shortages,” said Ambassador Dr. Petra Schneebauer. “We are eager to share our expertise with Utah to create opportunities for authorities, businesses and individuals to work together to expand and enhance apprenticeship programs in both countries.”