SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 27, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert on Tuesday announced the launch of the Utah Medical Innovations Pathways program, formed to to help high school graduates leave with a certification in medical manufacturing, intended to help them begin a career in life sciences.
“The pathways programs play an important role in meeting the demands of Utah’s workforce needs,” Gov. Herbert said, according to a news release. “We are grateful for the medical innovation industry’s investment and the impact they will have on our young residents.”
Herbert launched the MIP program along with partners USA Funds, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Department of Workforce Services.
Additional partners in the life sciences industry include Bard Access Systems, BD Medical, BioFire Diagnostics, Biomerics, CoNextions Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, EZ Lift Rescue Systems, Fresenius Medical Care, GE Healthcare, Merit Medical, Nelson Labs, Sorenson Genomics, Stryker Corporation and Varian Medical Systems. USA Funds provided a $1 million grant to the state to develop the MIP program.
William D. Hansen, president and CEO of USA Funds, praised the program.
“As USA Funds works to advance the ideal of ‘Completion With a Purpose’ among today’s students and graduates, we seek to partner with leaders who understand the importance of linking education to employer’s needs to improve student success,” he said.
“Utah is quickly becoming a leader among states in what it means for students to graduate with skills and knowledge needed to achieve success in their careers and lives, which is why we’re proud to support the Medical Innovation Pathways program and the state of Utah.”
MIP will begin this year with the Granite School District, and next school year will expand to Davis and Canyons School Districts next year.
The first semester of the program will take place in the high school facilities, while the second semester will implement curriculum in partnership with Salt Lake Community College. Students will also participate in internships and job shadow experiences with life science companies involved in the program.
Upon completion of the MIP program and passing pre-employment requirements, students will be certified to begin work with one of the life science partners in Utah, receiving a family-sustaining wage.
