Snow College Creates Industry Partnerships
Partnerships increase opportunities for upward mobility in rural Utah
December 13, 2022 – Ephraim, UT – Snow College has partnered with local industry to create training programs tailored to the needs of today’s employers. When students complete this 18-credit program, they leave not only with a certificate in Industrial Mechanics, but also with all the skills they need to fill in-demand jobs at some of the area’s biggest employers.
In 2021, Snow College approached Great Lakes Cheese, located in Fillmore, to gauge interest in a partnership. The company was eager to work with the school to create a pipeline of trained employees. The two worked together to create a certificate that—utilizing classes already taught at Snow College—would give employees the training they needed to advance their careers within the company. The school was then awarded the Talent Ready Utah grant, which enabled Snow to offer this new certificate to Great Lakes Cheese employees at no cost.
Upon learning of the partnership between Snow College and Great Lakes Cheese, Owens Corning, located in Nephi, expressed interest in participating as well. The college worked with them to make adjustments to the program to ensure it suited their needs, and the company is providing a tuition assistance program to employees who wish to pursue further training.
The program extends far beyond the walls of the industry partners. Anyone looking for employment in these industries is welcome to participate, including high school seniors. Two such students recently completed the program, graduating high school with a certificate in Industrial Mechanics. The students were then able to secure well-paying jobs with full benefits—right out of high school.
Michael Stumph, HR Manager for Great Lakes Cheese, praised the partnership when he said, “With the addition of this program, Snow College has shown the central Utah community that they are here to serve their needs. Central Utah is growing, and the college is stepping up to fill not only our needs at Great Lakes Cheese, but the needs of the whole community. We are proud to support Snow College and be a part of this initiative.”
For more information about partnering with Snow College to create a training program for your company, please contact Jay Olsen at ude.wons@neslo.yaj. For more information about completing one of these certificates, please contact Hailey Rippenstein at ude.wons@nietsneppir.yeliah.
About Snow College
Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah. The college also has a learning center in Nephi, Utah, and offers a wide-range of online courses. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college has been nationally recognized for its student success rates, affordable cost-for-value, involvement opportunities, and exceptional teaching. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.