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Apprenticeships

TRAC Apprenticeship Program

TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship

Earn a degree. Get paid. Become a teacher.

The TRAC Teacher Apprenticeship is a five-year, paid program for Salt Lake City School District students that combines high school, college, and real classroom experience into one guided pathway to becoming a licensed teacher.

This program is designed to prepare and hire future teachers for Salt Lake City School District, creating a direct pipeline into a teaching career right here in our community.

Degree Path Options

Apprentices may pursue a degree in either :

  • Elementary Education or
  • Special Education.

Students typically begin at SLCC and transfer to the University of Utah. If eligible, they may start at the University of Utah for their freshman year of college.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026
  • Interviews:
    • Wed, April 29 – East High (morning)
    • Fri, May 1 – West High (morning) & Highland High (afternoon)
  • Signing Night (for accepted students):
    • Wednesday, May 6, 5–7 PM
    • Salt Lake City School District Office

Who Can Apply

  • Current high school juniors in Salt Lake City School District

Application Requirements

To apply, students must submit:

  • A cover letter
  • A resume
  • A letter of recommendation is optional but strongly recommended.

What You’ll Do as an Apprentice

Starting in your senior year, you will:

  • Work in SLCSD schools as a paid classroom assistant, then grow into a paraeducator role
  • Split your time between high school classes, college coursework, and hands-on work experience
  • Learn directly from experienced teachers through mentorship and real classroom practice

During your senior year and beyond, you’ll also:

  • Take concurrent enrollment courses and begin earning college credit while still in high school
  • Continue your education at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) and the University of Utah
  • Follow a guided degree pathway designed to help you stay on track and graduate

What You’ll Get

At the end of the program, you can complete:

  • A high school diploma
  • An Associate’s degree from Salt Lake Community College
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or Special Education
  • A K–12 teaching license in the state of Utah
  • The opportunity to begin your teaching career in Salt Lake City School District

Get Paid While You Learn

This is a paid apprenticeship:

  • Senior year: approximately $12.75–$14.75 per hour
  • After high school: approximately $18.25–$21.25 per hour

You’ll gain valuable work experience while getting paid.

College Tuition Support

Students in the program have access to significant financial support, including:

  • Scholarships
  • Tuition assistance
  • “Last-dollar” funding that may cover remaining tuition and fees

Financial support is based on eligibility and continued progress in the program.

Why Apply?

  • Start your college journey early with concurrent enrollment credits
  • Follow a clear, supported path from high school to a teaching career
  • Gain real classroom experience
  • Earn money while building your future
  • Enter a profession where you can make a difference

Apply Now

APPLY FOR TRAC TEACHER APPRENTICESHIP

Questions?

Contact your school’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator for more information.

TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship

Applications are now closed for the TRAC (Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection) Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program for the 2026–2027 school year.

TRAC is a competitive, three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship that allows students to apply during their junior year, begin their senior year, and complete the program with an associate's degree from Salt Lake Community College while gaining real-world, paid work experience with industry partners. This program is designed for students who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and exploring technical career pathways.

The program is a partnership offered with advanced manufacturing companies, Stadler Rail and Doppelmayr USA. Students are mentored by professionals and develop skills that lead directly to high-demand careers. Nearly 100 students have participated in this program since 2019.

TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship Signing Night

The TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship Signing Night will be held on Thursday, April 23, from 6-7 PM at the Salt Lake City School District Administration Building (406 E. 100 S., SLC, UT 84111). This event honors students who have been offered an apprenticeship placement to sign on to join the 2026-27 cohort. It's a great night to celebrate the start of their career pathway that connects education, industry, and future success.

Did You Know?

Two people in blue shirts work on a small electronic device.

Salt Lake City School District leads the state in the number of apprenticeship opportunities for students. Apprenticeships combine training in high-wage, in-demand careers with the opportunity to attend college for free.

If you have younger students, college pathways and career apprenticeships may seem far in the future for your family. But you need to know that we are building new opportunities your students can look forward to as they progress through their education in the district.

In 2018, we partnered with Stadler Rail, a Swiss train manufacturing company, to create Utah’s first youth apprenticeship program. Students start working as apprentices during their senior year, spending half their time taking high school classes and the other half getting paid work experience at the Stadler Rail facility in Salt Lake City. The apprenticeship continues for two more years as students earn an associate degree – paid for by Stadler – in advanced manufacturing at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). Students who complete the apprenticeship (three years total) leave with early expertise in electrical or mechanical skills, paid work experience, two years of free postsecondary education, and the promise of an interview for a full-time job at Stadler. More than 60 students have participated so far, and many are still working for Stadler Rail.

In 2023, we launched our second youth apprenticeship with Utah PaperBox, a local manufacturing company.  And recently, we announced two additional youth apprenticeships with Doppelmayr and Mondi.

New in 2026 was the addition of Complex Fabricators, a local metal manufacturer, to the TRAC Manufacturing Apprenticeship. The long-awaited TRAC Education Apprenticeship was also announced, with student apprentices working as paraeducators for Salt Lake City School District before continuing to Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah for a full pathway in education careers.