Agencies announce collaboration to strengthen talent pipeline in aerospace and defense industries

Three Utah organizations have united to form a collaboration designed to build a talent pipeline for building a source of employees for the aerospace and defense sectors within the state.

YouScience, a science and technology education platform based in American Fork; Ogden-based Apogee Worx, an aerospace and defense manufacturing company; and 47G, the state’s newly formed aerospace and defense industry association, announced the new effort in late September.

Utah’s defense industry plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, contributing more than $19 billion in economic activity and supporting 211,000 jobs, the new group said. Since 2015, the sector has nearly doubled in size, according to a report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah.

“We’re excited to work with Apogee Worx and 47G to significantly impact the future workforce,” said Edson Barton, CEO and co-founder of YouScience. “Recognizing the need to boost awareness of aerospace and defense manufacturing careers and enhance the skill sets of high school and college graduates, we decided to join forces. By leveraging YouScience’s innovative aptitude-based career guidance tools, Apogee Worx’s industry expertise and 47G’s access to a deep community of members, we aim to create a robust talent pipeline that meets the specific needs of the aerospace and defense sectors.”

“We’re proud to be part of this initiative that not only supports our company’s growth but also contributes to the broader goal of sustaining Utah’s aerospace and defense industry,” said Brian Janroy, co-owner of Apogee Worx. “This collaboration is a critical step in ensuring that we have a steady pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

In addition, YouScience, Apogee Worx and 47G are working together to develop a new certification specifically designed for aerospace and defense manufacturing. This certification will provide students with the industry-specific skills needed to thrive in these high-demand fields, further aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs.

“We are thrilled to join forces with YouScience and Apogee Worx in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Aaron Starks, CEO and president at 47G. “By integrating our organization’s network with YouScience’s cutting-edge career guidance tools and Apogee Worx’s expertise, we are setting a new standard for how we prepare and connect the next generation of Utah professionals with critical career opportunities.”