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Davis Journal

New tech pathways provides high school students job opportunities

Dec 02, 2021 01:13PM ● By Becky Ginos

Northridge High School students gather at the launch of the Tech Sales Pathways Program. Courtesy Davis School District

FARMINGTON—Talent Ready Utah in the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has launched a new program designed to help high school students get the skills they need to enter the tech industry. The Tech Sales Pathways Program in partnership with MarketStar Corporation will provide career pathways to sales in social media, SaaS, digital ads, IT and cloud services.

 “There’s a growing need for talent in sales as businesses across industries adopt new technology,” said Dan Hemmert, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Through work-based learning programs, we can better prepare the younger generation for future careers.”  

“Students take courses in high school or Davis Technical College in business, sales or marketing,” said Davis District CTE Supervisor Camille Hogge. “When those are completed they do an internship in that tech pathway.”

 Once they’ve finished their internship they are guaranteed an interview in that industry, she said. “A lot of students walk out with a job right out of high school. it gives them a head start in that career. Then if they want to go on and get more education some industry partners will pay for tuition depending on the industry partner.”

 The district is involved in quite a few of the Governor’s pathways, said Hogge. “We’ve been working with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and industry partners as we’ve been getting this going.”

MarketStar is one of the first, she said. “We’ve been working together for about a year to solidify how it will work to benefit students that take the program as well as have an interview.”

 The industry partner also becomes part of the advisory board, said Hogge. “It’s nice to bring all of the industry partners in to advise us on what to teach.”

Hogge said the program just started in the district. “If students finish up their courses this semester they can start an internship next semester if they meet the requirements. It’s usually after school working onsite at the industry location. They usually work with students individually on when they can do it, etc.”

 Students who are interested in the program can work with their school counselors to get enrolled. “They can also talk with the CTE coordinator to make sure they take the right classes,” said Hogge. “The business and marketing instructors can also help. They’re an integral part in learning and can give students the right information so they can be successful. This is a great opportunity for our students.”