53H-13 - Workforce Development
Title 53H > 53H-13
Sections (21)
General Provisions
53H-13-101 - General provisions — Definitions.
Career Readiness
53H-13-201 - General provisions — Definitions.
As used in this part: 53H-13-201(1) “Education provider” means:an institution of higher education; ora nonprofit Utah provider of postsecondary education. 53H-13-201(2) “Student user” means:a Utah student in kindergarten through grade 12;a Utah postsecondary education student;a parent or guardian of a Utah public education student; ora Utah potential postsecondary education student.
53H-13-202 - State online career counseling program.
53H-13-202(1) The board shall develop and administer a state online career counseling program in accordance with this section. 53H-13-202(2) The board shall ensure, as funding allows and is feasible, that the program:allows a student user to:access, subject to Subsection (3), information about an education provider or a scholarship provider;access information about different career opportunities and understand the related educational requirements to enter that career;access information about education providers;access up to date information about entrance requirements to education providers; andresearch open jobs from different companies within the user’s career interest and apply for those jobs without having to leave the website to do so;allows all users to:access information about different career opportunities and understand the related educational requirements to enter that career;access information about education providers; andaccess up-to-date information about entrance requirements to education providers;allows an education provider to:request that the program send information to student users who are interested in various educational opportunities;promote the education provider’s programs and schools to student users; andconnect with student users within the program’s website;allows a Utah business to:request that the program send information to student users who are pursuing educational opportunities that are consistent with jobs the Utah business is trying to fill now or in the future; andmarket jobs and communicate with student users through the program’s website as allowed by law; andprovide analysis and reporting on student user interests and education paths within the education system. 53H-13-202(3) A student may access information described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) only if the program obtains written consent:of a student’s parent or legal guardian through the student’s school or LEA; orfor a student who is 18 years old or older or an emancipated minor, from the student. 53H-13-202(4) The board:may charge a fee to a Utah business for services provided by the program under this section; andshall establish a fee described in Subsection (4)(a) in accordance with Section 63J-1-504.
Talent Ready Utah and Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment
53H-13-301 - General provisions — Definitions.
As used in this part: 53H-13-301(1) “Apprenticeship program” means a program that:combines paid on-the-job learning with formal classroom instruction to prepare students for careers; andincludes:structured on-the-job learning for students under the supervision of a skilled employee;classroom instruction for students related to the on-the-job learning;ongoing student assessments using established competency and skills standards; andthe student receiving an industry-recognized credential or degree upon completion of the program. 53H-13-301(2) “Career and technical education region” means an economic service area created in Section 35A-2-101. 53H-13-301(3) “GOEO” means the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity created in Section 63N-1a-301. 53H-13-301(4) “High quality professional learning” means the professional learning standards for teachers and principals described in Section 53G-11-303. 53H-13-301(5) “Institution of higher education” means the University of Utah, Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Snow College, Utah Tech University, Utah Valley University, or Salt Lake Community College. 53H-13-301(6) “Local education agency” means a school district, a charter school, or the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. 53H-13-301(7) “Master plan” means the computer science education master plan described in Section 53H-13-305. 53H-13-301(8) “Participating employer” means an employer that:partners with an educational institution on a curriculum for an apprenticeship program or work-based learning program; andprovides an apprenticeship or work-based learning program for students. 53H-13-301(9) “State board” means the State Board of Education. 53H-13-301(10) “Talent board” means the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board created in Section 53H-13-302. 53H-13-301(11) “Talent program” means the Talent Ready Utah Program created in Section 53H-13-303. 53H-13-301(12) “Targeted industry” means an industry or group of industries targeted by GOEO for economic development in the state. 53H-13-301(13) “Technical college” means:the same as that term is defined in Section 53H-1-101; anda degree-granting institution acting in the degree-granting institution’s technical education role described in Section 53H-3-608. 53H-13-301(14) “Work-based learning program” means a program that combines structured and supervised learning activities with authentic work experiences and that is implemented through industry and education partnerships.”Work-based learning program” includes the following objectives:providing students an applied workplace experience using knowledge and skills attained in a program of study that includes an internship, externship, or work experience;providing an educational institution with objective input from a participating employer regarding the education requirements of the current workforce; andproviding funding for programs that are associated with high-wage, in-demand, or emerging occupations. 53H-13-301(15) “Workforce programs” means education or industry programs that facilitate training the state’s workforce to meet industry demand.
53H-13-302 - Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board — Creation — Membership — Expenses — Duties.
53H-13-302(1) There is created the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board composed of the following members:the state superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent’s designee;the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee;the chair of the State Board of Education or the chair’s designee;the executive director of the Department of Workforce Services or the executive director’s designee;the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity or the executive director’s designee;the director of the Division of Professional Licensing or the director’s designee;the governor’s education advisor or the advisor’s designee;one member of the Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate;one member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;the president of the Salt Lake Chamber or the president’s designee;six representatives of private industry chosen to represent targeted industries, appointed by GOEO;the lieutenant governor or the lieutenant governor’s designee; andany additional individuals appointed by GOEO who represent:one or more individual educational institutions; oreducation or industry professionals. 53H-13-302(2) The talent board shall select a chair and vice chair from among the members of the talent board. 53H-13-302(3) The talent board shall meet at least quarterly. 53H-13-302(4) Attendance of a majority of the members of the talent board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of official talent board business. 53H-13-302(5) Formal action by the talent board requires the majority vote of a quorum. 53H-13-302(6) A member of the talent board:may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service; andwho is not a legislator may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:Section 63A-3-106;Section 63A-3-107; andrules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107. 53H-13-302(7) The talent board shall:review and develop metrics to measure the progress, performance, effectiveness, and scope of any state operation, activity, program, or service that primarily involves employment training or placement; andensure that the metrics described in Subsection (7)(a) are consistent and comparable for each state operation, activity, program, or service that primarily involves employment training or placement;make recommendations to the board and GOEO regarding how to better align training and education in the state with industry demand;make recommendations to the board and GOEO regarding how to better align technical education with current and future workforce needs;coordinate with the talent program to meet the responsibilities described in Section 53H-13-303;develop a computer science education master plan in accordance with Section 53H-13-305;coordinate with the talent program to meet the responsibilities described in Section 53H-13-310; andadminister the Utah Works Program in accordance with Section 53H-13-307. 53H-13-302(8) Nothing in this section prohibits an individual who, on June 30, 2022, is a member of a subcommittee within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity known as the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Subcommittee from serving as a member of the talent board.
53H-13-303 - Talent Ready Utah Program.
53H-13-303(1) There is created the Talent Ready Utah Program administered by the commissioner. 53H-13-303(2) The commissioner, with the approval of the board, shall appoint a director of the talent program. 53H-13-303(3) The director of the talent program:shall appoint, with the approval of the commissioner, an apprenticeship intermediary, to carry out the duties described in Subsection (5); andmay appoint other staff with the approval of the commissioner. 53H-13-303(4) The talent program shall coordinate with the talent board to:further education and industry alignment in the state;coordinate the development of new education programs that align with industry demand;coordinate or partner with other state agencies to administer grant programs;promote the inclusion of industry partners in education;provide outreach and information to employers regarding workforce programs and initiatives;develop and analyze stackable credential programs;determine efficiencies among workforce providers;map available workforce programs focusing on programs that successfully create high-paying jobs; andsupport initiatives of the talent board. 53H-13-303(5) The apprenticeship intermediary appointed by the director under Subsection (3) shall, in coordination with the talent program and at the direction of the talent board, foster relationships between industry partners, local education agencies, and the talent program, including by:increasing awareness for the talent program;recruiting industry partners;connecting high school students to participating employers, apprenticeship opportunities, and work-based learning opportunities;working with local education agencies to:integrate talent program apprenticeship opportunities and work-based learning opportunities;connect high school students with higher education opportunities;training mentors at participating employers in vocational education practices for youth;holding meetings with education partners and industry partners to discuss curriculum needs and industry needs;working with institutions of higher education and local education agencies to ensure industry-recognized credential programs are fully stackable; andperforming other duties as directed by the talent board.
53H-13-304 - Talent program report to board.
The talent program shall annually report to the board on the talent program’s operations and recommendations, including the results of the apprenticeship pilot program described in Section 53H-13-310 .
53H-13-305 - Computer science education master plan.
The talent board, in consultation with the state board and the talent program, shall develop a computer science education master plan that: 53H-13-305(1) includes a statement of the objectives and goals of the master plan; 53H-13-305(2) describes how the talent board and the state board will administer the Computer Science for Utah Grant Program created in Section 53H-13-306; 53H-13-305(3) provides guidance for local education agencies in implementing computer science education opportunities for students in high school, middle school, and elementary school; 53H-13-305(4) integrates recommendations and best practices from private and public entities that are seeking to improve and expand the opportunities for computer science education, including the Expanding Computer Education Pathways Alliance; and 53H-13-305(5) makes recommendations to assist a local education agency in creating a local education agency computer science plan described in Subsection 53H-13-306(6), including:providing recommendations regarding course offerings in computer science;providing recommendations regarding professional development opportunities in computer science for licensed teachers;providing recommendations regarding curriculum software for computer science courses;providing recommendations regarding assessment solutions to measure the learning outcomes of students in computer science courses; andproviding information regarding how a local education agency can receive technical support from the talent board in providing computer science education opportunities for students.
53H-13-306 - Computer Science for Utah Grant Program.
53H-13-306(1) As used in this section, “grant program” means the Computer Science for Utah Grant Program created in Subsection (2). 53H-13-306(2) The Computer Science for Utah Grant Program is created to provide grants to eligible local education agencies for improving computer science learning outcomes and course offerings as demonstrated by:the creation and implementation of a local education agency computer science plan as described in Subsection (6); andthe effective implementation of approved courses and the provision of effective training opportunities for licensed teachers. 53H-13-306(3) Subject to appropriations from the Legislature, the state board, in consultation with the talent board, shall distribute to local education agencies money appropriated for the grant program in accordance with this section. 53H-13-306(4) In administering the Computer Science for Utah Grant Program, the state board, in consultation with the talent board, may make rules, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, that:describe the form and deadlines for a grant application by a local education agency under this section; anddescribe the reporting requirements required by a local education agency after receiving a grant under this section. 53H-13-306(5) In awarding a grant under Subsection (3), the state board shall consider the effectiveness of the local education agency in creating and implementing a local education agency computer science plan as described in Subsection (6). 53H-13-306(6) Each local education agency that seeks a grant as described in this section shall submit a written computer science plan, in a form approved by the state board, that:covers at least four years;addresses the recommendations of the talent board’s computer science education master plan described in Section 53H-13-305;identifies targets for improved computer science offerings, student learning, and licensed teacher training;describes a computer science professional development program and other opportunities for high quality professional learning for licensed teachers or individuals training to become licensed teachers;provides a detailed budget, communications, and reporting structure for implementing the computer science plan;commits to provide one computer science course offering, approved by the talent board, in every middle and high school within the local education agency;commits to integrate computer science education into the curriculum of each elementary school within the local education agency; andincludes any other requirement established by the state board by rule, in consultation with the talent board, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act. 53H-13-306(7) Each local education agency that receives a grant as described in this section shall provide an annual written assessment to the state board and the talent board for each year that the local education agency receives a grant or expends grant money that includes:how the grant money was used;any improvements in the number and quality of computer science offerings provided by the local education agency and any increase in the number of licensed teachers providing computer science teaching to students;any difficulties encountered during implementation of the local education agency’s written computer science plan and steps that will be taken to address the difficulties; andany other requirement established by the state board by rule, in consultation with the talent board, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act. 53H-13-306(8) The state board and the talent board shall review each annual written assessment described in Subsection (7).As a result of the review described in Subsection (8)(a):the state board or the talent board may provide recommendations to improve the progress of the local education agency in meeting the objectives of the written computer science plan;the state board may determine not to renew or extend a grant under this section; orthe state board or the talent board may take other action to assist the local education agency.
53H-13-307 - Utah Works Program.
53H-13-307(1) There is created the Utah Works Program. 53H-13-307(2) The Utah Works Program, under the direction of the talent board, shall partner with the following entities to develop short-term pre-employment training and short-term early employment training for student and workforce participants that meet the needs of businesses that are creating jobs and economic growth in the state:the Department of Workforce Services;the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity; andbusinesses that have significant hiring demands for primarily newly created jobs in the state. 53H-13-307(3) In addition to the duties described in Subsection (2), the Utah Works Program may:coordinate with the Department of Workforce Services, education agencies, and employers to create effective recruitment initiatives to attract student and workforce participants and business participants to the program;coordinate with the board to develop educational and training resources to provide student participants in the program qualifications to be hired by business participants in the program; andcoordinate with the state board and local education agencies when appropriate to develop educational and training resources to provide student participants in the program qualifications to be hired by business participants in the program. 53H-13-307(4) The board, in consultation with the talent board, may, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules regarding the development and administration of the Utah Works Program. 53H-13-307(5) The Utah Works Program shall annually report the following metrics to the board:the number of participants in the program;how program participants learned about or were referred to the program;the number of participants who have completed training offered by the program; andthe number of participants who have been hired by a business participating in the program.
53H-13-308 - Grants for business entities offering employee return to work programs.
53H-13-308(1) As used in this section, “business entity” means a for-profit or nonprofit entity. 53H-13-308(2) Subject to appropriations from the Legislature, the talent program, in consultation with the talent board, may award grants to business entities to offer innovative return to work programs for employees. 53H-13-308(3) A business entity that receives grant funds under this section may only use grant funds for:costs associated with developing a new return to work program; orcosts associated with expanding an existing return to work program. 53H-13-308(4) The talent program shall include the following information in the report described in Section 53H-13-304:the process by which the talent program determines which business entities shall receive grants; andthe formula for awarding grants. 53H-13-308(5) The talent program shall award grant funds on a rolling basis, until the earlier of funds being exhausted or June 30, 2025.
53H-13-309 - Talent advisory councils.
53H-13-309(1) As used in this section:“Advisory council” means an advisory council the talent board creates under Subsection (10).”Talent initiative” means an initiative the board creates under Subsection (2). 53H-13-309(2) Subject to legislative appropriations and in accordance with the proposal process and other provisions of this section, the board shall develop and oversee one or more talent initiatives that include providing funding for expanded programs at an institution of higher education related to the talent initiative.The board shall ensure that a talent initiative the board creates:uses a name for the talent initiative that reflects the area the initiative is targeting;contains an outline of the disciplines, industries, degrees, certifications, credentials, and types of skills the talent initiative will target; anduses a corresponding advisory council created in Subsection (10). 53H-13-309(3) In creating a talent initiative, the board shall facilitate collaborations between an institution of higher education and participating employers that:create expanded, multidisciplinary programs or stackable credential programs offered at a technical college, undergraduate, or graduate level of study; andprepare students to be workforce participants in jobs requiring skills related to a talent initiative. 53H-13-309(4) An institution of higher education seeking to partner with one or more participating employers to create a program related to a talent initiative shall submit a proposal to the talent board through a process the talent board creates.An institution of higher education shall submit a proposal that contains:a description of the proposed program, including:implementation timelines for the program;a demonstration of how the program will be responsive to the talent needs related to the talent initiative;an outline of relevant industry involvement that includes at least one participating employer that partners with the institution of higher education; andan explanation of how the program addresses an unmet regional workforce need related to a talent initiative;an estimate of:projected student enrollment and completion rates for a program;the academic credit or credentials that a program will provide; andoccupations for which a graduate will qualify;evidence that each participating employer is committed to participating and contributing to the program by providing any combination of:instruction;curriculum review;feedback regarding effectiveness of program graduates as employees;work-based learning opportunities; ormentoring;a description of any resources a participating employer will provide within the program; andthe amount of funding requested for the program, including:the justification for the funding; andthe cost per student served as estimated under Subsection (4)(b)(ii). 53H-13-309(5) In reviewing a proposal, the talent board shall provide a proposal to the relevant advisory council described in Subsections (10) and (11). 53H-13-309(6) The relevant advisory council shall:review and prioritize each proposal the advisory council receives; andrecommend to the talent board whether the proposal should be funded and the funding amount based on:the quality and completeness of the elements of the proposal described in Subsection (4)(b);to what extent the proposed program:would expand the capacity to meet state or regional workforce needs related to the talent initiative;would integrate industry-relevant competencies with disciplinary expertise;would incorporate internships or significant project experiences, including team-based experiences;identifies how industry professionals would participate in elements described in Subsection (4)(b)(iii); andwould be cost effective; andother relevant criteria as the relevant advisory council and the talent board determines. 53H-13-309(7) The board shall review the recommendations of an advisory council and may provide funding for a program related to a talent initiative using the criteria described in Subsection (6)(b). 53H-13-309(8) In a form that the board approves, each institution of higher education that receives funding shall annually provide written information to the board regarding the activities, successes, and challenges related to administering the program related to the talent initiative, including:specific entities that received funding under this section;the amount of funding provided to each entity;the number of participating students in each program;the number of graduates of the program;the number of graduates of the program employed in jobs requiring skills related to the talent initiative; andprogress and achievements relevant to the implementation timeline submitted under Subsection (4)(b)(i)(A). 53H-13-309(9) On or before October 1 of each year, the board shall provide an annual written report containing the information described in Subsection (8) to the:Education Interim Committee; andHigher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. 53H-13-309(10) The talent board shall create a talent advisory council for each talent initiative created under Subsection (2) to make recommendations to the board regarding the administration of a talent initiative including:a deep technology initiative;a life sciences workforce initiative; engineering and computer technology; andhealth professions initiatives including a nursing initiative. 53H-13-309(11) An advisory council shall consist of the following members:a minimum of four members who have extensive experience in the talent initiative’s subject matter from the private sector whom the chair of the talent board appoints and the board approves;a representative of the board described in Section 53H-1-203 whom the chair of the board appoints;a representative of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity whom the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity appoints;a representative from Talent Ready Utah; andany other specialized industry experts whom a majority of the advisory council may invite to participate as needed as nonvoting members. 53H-13-309(12) Talent Ready Utah shall provide staff support for an advisory council. 53H-13-309(13) Two advisory council members appointed under Subsection (11)(a) shall serve an initial term of two years.Except as described in Subsection (13)(a), all other advisory council members shall serve an initial term of four years.Successor advisory council members upon appointment or reappointment shall each serve a term of four years.When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the initial appointing authority shall appoint a replacement for the unexpired term.An advisory council member may not serve more than two consecutive terms. 53H-13-309(14) A vote of a majority of the advisory council members constitutes an action of the advisory council. 53H-13-309(15) The duties of the advisory council include reviewing, prioritizing, and making recommendations to the board regarding proposals for funding under the talent initiative created in accordance with Subsection (2) for which the council was created. 53H-13-309(16) An advisory council member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; andrules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107. 53H-13-309(17) The board may discontinue a talent initiative and the related talent advisory council by majority vote.
53H-13-310 - Apprenticeships and work-based learning.
53H-13-310(1) The talent program, in collaboration with the talent board, may partner with one or more of the following to facilitate and encourage apprenticeship opportunities and work-based learning opportunities for Utah students:the State Board of Education;the Utah system of higher education; ora participating employer in the state. 53H-13-310(2) Subject to appropriations from the Legislature and in accordance with the proposal process and other provisions of this section, the talent board, in coordination with the talent program, may provide funding for approved apprenticeship opportunities and work-based learning opportunities. 53H-13-310(3) To receive funding under this section, an entity described in Subsection (1) seeking to partner with the talent program shall submit a proposal through the talent program, in a form approved by the talent program and in accordance with deadlines determined by the talent program, that contains the following elements:the proposal shall include:a description of the proposed apprenticeship program or work-based learning program that demonstrates the program will be:responsive to the workforce needs of a high demand industry or occupation; anda partnership between at least one participating employer and at least one public high school, technical college, or institution of higher education;an estimate of:student enrollment in the program;what school credit, credentials, certifications, or other workforce attainments will be provided by the program; andjob-placement rates for students who complete the program;a description of any financial contributions or in-kind contributions that will be provided by each participating employer in the program;if the program would require state board approval under the provisions of Section 53H-3-603, evidence that the state board has approved the program; andthe amount of funding requested for the program, including justification for the funding; andwhile not required, a preference may be given to a proposal that includes:a description of a stackable credentialing pathway for participating students that will be created by the program between at least two of the following:a public high school;a technical college; andan institution of higher education; orthe potential for participating students to obtain full-time employment with the participating employer upon completion of the program. 53H-13-310(4) The talent board shall review and prioritize each proposal received and determine whether the proposal should be funded, using the following criteria:the quality and completeness of the elements of the proposal described in Subsection (3)(a);the quality of the optional elements of the proposal described in Subsection (3)(b);to what extent the proposal would expand the capacity to meet state or regional workforce needs; andother relevant criteria as determined by the talent board. 53H-13-310(5) A partnership that receives funding under this section:shall use the money to accomplish the proposed apprenticeship program or work-based learning program;may use the money to offset a participating employer’s direct operational costs associated with employing students as part of an approved apprenticeship program or work-based learning program;except as provided in Subsection (5)(d), may not use the money for educational administration; andmay use the money to support one full-time employee within a career and technical education region if:each participating local education agency, public high school, technical college, and institution of higher education agree on which entity will house the full-time employee;the full-time employee spends all of the employee’s time working exclusively to develop apprentice programs or work-based learning programs; andthe full-time employee is responsible for regular reporting to and receiving training from the director of the talent program. 53H-13-310(6) The talent program shall be responsible for the administration of apprenticeship programs and work-based learning programs described in this section, including:working with and providing technical assistance to the participating partners that establish apprentice programs and work-based learning programs and that receive funding under the provisions of this section;establishing reporting requirements for participating partners that establish apprentice programs and work-based learning programs and that receive funding under the provisions of this section;providing outreach and marketing to encourage more employers to participate; andannually reporting on the activities, successes, and challenges of the talent program related to administering apprentice programs and work-based learning programs for inclusion in the report described in Section 53H-13-304, including:specific entities that received funding under this section;the amount of funding provided to each entity; andthe number of participating students in each apprentice program and work-based learning program. 53H-13-310(7) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the talent program may make rules regarding:the method and deadlines for applying for funding under this section;the distribution of funding under this section; andthe reporting requirements of each entity receiving funding under this section.
53H-13-311 - Youth apprenticeship governance study.
53H-13-311(1) As used in this section:“Apprenticeship” means the same as the term is defined in Section 35A-6-102.”Study” means the study created in Subsection (2). 53H-13-311(2) There is created a study to design a framework and system for maximizing efficiencies and expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities for students. 53H-13-311(3) The study shall be conducted collaboratively by the following entities:the governor’s office;the State Board of Education;the Department of Workforce Services;the Talent Ready Utah Program; andrelevant participating employers as determined by the entities described in Subsections (3)(a) through (d). 53H-13-311(4) The study shall examine framework and system design recommendations regarding:ways to increase youth apprenticeship offerings;increasing student and employer participation in youth apprenticeships;formalizing roles and streamlining use of existing infrastructure described in:Title 35A, Chapter 6, Apprenticeship Act;this part, including the role of the state apprenticeship intermediary described in Section 53H-13-303; andSection 53G-7-902;aligning youth apprenticeship efforts to meet the definition of youth apprenticeship defined in Section 35A-6-102;identifying metrics to assess the success of youth apprenticeship programs;opportunities to leverage secondary and post-secondary educational programs in conjunction with youth apprenticeships, including:career and technical education;concurrent enrollment; andstackable credentials; andthe creation of career competencies to prepare a qualified workforce. 53H-13-311(5) The staff of the Talent Ready Utah Program shall staff the study. 53H-13-311(6) No later than May 1, 2025, the entities described in Subsection (3) shall report the recommendations described in Subsection (4) to the talent board.
Talent Connect
53H-13-401 - General provisions — Definitions.
53H-13-401(1) “Co-op employee” means a student who participates in a cooperative education program and is employed by a participating cooperative education employer. 53H-13-401(2) “Cooperative education employer” means a business or organization participating in the cooperative education program that provides structured work opportunities for students. 53H-13-401(3) “Cooperative education program” or “co-op” means a structured educational pilot program that integrates academic learning with full-time paid work experience aligned with the student’s academic discipline and career goals. 53H-13-401(4) “High-demand job” means an occupation or position that:has a higher than average projected growth rate in Utah;offers wages at or above the state median wage;follows star ranking criteria established by the Department of Workforce Services; andconsiders occupations that have a high societal demand and impact. 53H-13-401(5) “Participating institution” means the following institutions of higher education:Weber State University;University of Utah;Southern Utah University;Utah State University;Utah Tech University; andUtah Valley University. 53H-13-401(6) “Recent graduate” means a graduate of a program or degree within a year of completion. 53H-13-401(7) “Talent portal” means the Utah High-Demand Talent Portal created in Section 53H-13-402. 53H-13-401(8) “Talent portal administrator” means the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board created in Section 53H-13-302. 53H-13-401(9) “Talent Ready Utah” means the program within the Utah System of Higher Education established in Section 53H-13-303.
53H-13-402 - Utah High-Demand Talent Portal — Creation — Purpose.
53H-13-402(1) There is created the Utah High-Demand Talent Portal within Talent Ready Utah. 53H-13-402(2) The purpose of the talent portal is to:connect Utah employers with qualified, trained, and educated talent from higher education institutions;provide students within the Utah System of Higher Education with high-demand and high-wage employment opportunities;connect recent graduate job seekers with high-demand employment opportunities in Utah;provide a platform to post high-demand job openings;highlight skills and qualifications needed for high-demand jobs;integrate with workforce development, work-based learning;support career pathway development and promote long-term workforce alignment; andutilize matchmaking software strategies to intuitively match employers with students across the Utah System of Higher Education.
53H-13-403 - Talent portal requirements — Administration — Labor market data integration.
53H-13-403(1) The talent portal shall:focus on industries and occupations identified as high-demand in collaboration with Talent Ready Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Workforce Services and in coordination with state labor market data;provide an intuitive, user-friendly interface for job seekers and employers;include robust search, filtering, and geolocation options;offer mobile-optimized access;allow users to create profiles and upload resumes;integrate with relevant training, credentialing, and educational resources;connect prospective talent to industry requirements for posted high-demand jobs;highlight internships, apprenticeships, and career pathway opportunities;provide data analytics to employers on job listing performance;implement security measures to protect user data and verify employer listings; andbe accessible to users with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 53H-13-403(2) In accordance with Subsection (3), the talent portal administrator shall:partner with:Talent Ready Utah;the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity;the Department of Workforce Services;industry associations; andemployers to enhance talent portal offerings;partner with the State Tax Commission to reconcile that employers registering to utilize the talent portal are businesses registered to do business in the state of Utah and are in good standing;conduct targeted outreach to promote the talent portal to:institutions of higher education within the Utah System of Higher Education;students; andUtah employers;regularly collect and analyze user feedback to improve the talent portal; andprovide annual reports on talent portal performance metrics, including:usage statistics;placement rates; anduser demographics. 53H-13-403(3) The talent portal administrator shall:utilize current labor market data to inform job listings, industry focus, and emerging opportunities;update high-demand job categories at least annually based on projected growth, wage data, and workforce needs; andprovide labor market insights to users, including salary ranges, career growth trends, and skill requirements. 53H-13-403(4) The talent portal administrator shall ensure that the talent portal has the ability to dynamically adjust to reflect changes in labor market trends and high-demand occupations.
53H-13-404 - Cooperative Education Program — Creation — Purpose.
53H-13-404(1) A cooperative education program is established within the Utah System of Higher Education beginning July 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2027. 53H-13-404(2) The purpose of the co-op is to:provide students with structured, credit-bearing cooperative education opportunities that align with academic disciplines, program accreditation requirements, and career outcomes while maintaining full-time student status;foster partnerships between higher education institutions and employers to offer valuable employment opportunities;establish clear roles and responsibilities for participating institutions and employers; andmaintain accountability and program effectiveness through regular evaluation.
53H-13-405 - Cooperative education program — Requirements — Administration and oversight.
53H-13-405(1) The following entities shall collaborate to create and implement the co-op:the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education;an engineering focused trade association that the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board created in Section 53H-13-302 selects;Weber State University;University of Utah;Utah State University;Utah Tech University;Southern Utah University;Utah Valley University; andTalent Ready Utah established in Section 53H-13-303. 53H-13-405(2) The entities listed in Subsection (1) shall collaborate to:establish program requirements and standards for cooperative education experiences that:occur during a student’s third or fourth academic year;are equivalent to two continuous academic terms; andalign with degree requirements and career pathways;develop the policies for academic credit recognition;create program evaluation metrics;maintain oversight of program implementation; andfocus the program’s initial efforts on high-demand jobs in fields that require an engineering degree, including the life-sciences sector. 53H-13-405(3) In accordance with the program components described under Subsection (2), a participating institution shall:establish admission criteria for the cooperative education program;create preparatory workshops that address:career development;professional skill building;workplace communication; andemployment preparation;develop procedures for:program orientation;academic progress monitoring;experience documentation; andperformance evaluation;assign a cooperative education advisor who will:provide regular guidance;monitor academic alignment;coordinate with workplace mentors; andassess learning outcomes; andmaintain records of:placement details;student progress;completed evaluations; andprogram outcomes. 53H-13-405(4) The engineering focused trade association described in Subsection (1) shall:identify and recruit qualified employers from the engineering focused trade association’s membership;communicate industry needs to participating institutions;facilitate employer participation in co-op development; andpromote co-op opportunities within engineering sectors, including the life sciences sector. 53H-13-405(5) The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education shall establish employment standards that require participating employers to:provide compensation that:meets or exceeds minimum wage requirements; andreflects industry standards for the position;schedule work hours that:total at least 32 hours per week; andaccommodate academic requirements; andmaintain compliance with:federal employment laws;state employment laws; andprogram participation requirements. 53H-13-405(6) A cooperative education employer shall:submit to the relevant participating institution:detailed position descriptions;work location information;scheduling requirements; andsupervisor contact details;provide structured workplace experiences for a cooperative education employee that:align with academic programs;develop professional skills;include regular supervision; andoffer meaningful work assignments;assign qualified workplace mentors for a cooperative education employee who will:provide professional guidance;monitor work performance;coordinate with academic advisors; andcomplete required evaluations; andconduct regular evaluations and monitoring as directed by the participating institution in consultation with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
53H-13-406 - Cooperative education program — Liability and risk management.
53H-13-406(1) The Utah System of Higher Education and participating institutions are not liable for any act, omission, or conduct of cooperative education employees or cooperative education employers.A cooperative education employer shall indemnify and hold harmless all participating institutions against claims arising from co-op placements. 53H-13-406(2) The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education shall:establish procedures for:program administration;risk management;issue resolution; andearly termination protocols; anddevelop policies regarding:liability coverage;workplace safety;co-op performance standards; andprofessional conduct requirements for a cooperative education employee. 53H-13-406(3) A participating institution shall:maintain documentation systems for:placement agreements;performance reports;incident records; andprogram evaluations; andimplement procedures for:issue resolution;performance intervention;placement modification; andprogram termination. 53H-13-406(4) A cooperative education employer shall:maintain appropriate insurance coverage;in accordance with Subsection (1), indemnify participating institutions against claims arising from cooperative education placements;regarding a cooperative education employee, notify the relevant participating institution of:performance concerns;policy violations;workplace incidents; andproposed terminations; andregarding a cooperative education employee, document and report to the relevant participating institution:workplace injuries;safety incidents;policy violations; andprogram departures.
53H-13-407 - Cooperative education program — Evaluation and reporting.
53H-13-407(1) No later than September 15 of each year, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, in collaboration with the entities described in Subsection 53H-13-405(1), shall prepare an annual report for submission to:the Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board created in Section 53H-13-302;the Utah Board of Higher Education; andthe Education Interim Committee and the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee. 53H-13-407(2) The annual report described in Subsection (1) shall:include:the number of student placements and cooperative education employers;student and cooperative education employer feedback;key workforce impact metrics; andrecommendations for additional on-going resources to scale cooperative education program offerings; andprovide analysis on the co-op’s effectiveness in:enhancing student career readiness;addressing Utah workforce needs and retention; andimproving competency validation practices based on cooperative education employers’ input.