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Public transit is back in style in the U.S. — and so are skilled manufacturing careers.
Writing for Forbes, Mark C. Perna illustrates how this industry has evolved into an enticing career option for younger generations.
"In this field, young people can be challenged as they literally invent, produce and distribute the everyday items and technologies of the future," Perna writes. "High-tech work requires high-level skills that are compensated accordingly, and there are endless opportunities to grow in their professional and technical competency."
One of the companies offering these types of jobs is Stadler US Inc., a passenger train manufacturing company located near Salt Lake City Airport.
If you’re unfamiliar with the company, here’s what you need to know — and why you might want to consider applying.
Swiss quality made in Utah
Stadler is based in Switzerland, where it was founded over 80 years ago. With a long history of building state-of-the-art passenger trains and a wide variety of products, the company is well-known throughout Europe.
The decision to open a manufacturing plant in the U.S. came in 2015 when Stadler won the contract to produce TEXRail. To receive federal funding, TEXRail had to buy trains that were compliant with the Buy America Act. At the time, that meant that 60% of the material needed to come from U.S. sources and all final assembly had to be completed in the U.S.
Stadler immediately started searching for an optimal location, and Georgia, Texas and Salt Lake City were all presented as options. Ultimately, Utah felt like home for the Swiss — especially with the mountains, world-class skiing and great economic benefits. Plus, Utah Transit Authority had an old locomotive maintenance facility that made it possible for Stadler to immediately get to work.
After spending a couple of years at their first facility, known internally as "Warm Springs," Stadler celebrated the grand opening of its new building in May 2019.
Manufacturing in the Beehive State
The Stadler US facility now is located in an ideal spot for international business. It’s just five minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport (which offers direct flights to Europe), and it’s near the crossroads of two major interstates (I-15 and I-80) and a Union Pacific freight railway hub.
Aside from the great location, Utah drew Stadler in for many other reasons. The skilled workforce, proximity to other international businesses, large bilingual population with international experience and a strong economy are just a few of them. In a report from earlier this year, the American Legislative Exchange Council named Utah the No. 1 state in the nation for its economic outlook for the 15th year in a row.
A career with perspective
Finding a skilled workforce is challenging in any industry. That’s why Stadler trains its workforce on the job. Hiring skilled Utahns and helping them learn and grow has been the recipe for success. Getting to build high-tech trains is a bonus.
Whatever your career or academic goals may be, Stadler stands ready to support you. With the company’s tuition reimbursement program, employees can go back to school while they work. Thanks to a comprehensive career path system, they also have plenty of opportunities for advancement as they gain experience.
For high school seniors, Stadler can give them a leg up in the professional working world as well. In 2019, Stadler partnered with the Salt Lake School District, Salt Lake Community College, the Salt Lake Education Foundation and Talent Ready Utah to introduce the Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC) program. In this three-year program, youth apprentices can earn a debt-free associate degree while gaining hands-on experience in a real work setting. (It’s the type of thing you wish you’d known about in high school.)
Graduating debt-free with a degree, invaluable work experience and in-demand skills is an opportunity few would pass up. With Stadler’s apprenticeship program and other professional opportunities, you can set yourself up for success in a career you love. Learn more about the TRAC program at trac-stadlerus.com and other positions with Stadler at stadlerrail.com.