• Purpose: to encourage regional collaboration towards development of a highly skilled talent pipeline

• Goal: to develop an integrated approach to economic and workforce development

What is WIRED?

(Workforce Innovation In Regional Economic Development) is a nationally recognized initiative established through the American Competitive Act by the Department of Labor/Education and Training Administration. Through a Governor sponsored competitive grant solicitation, Utah has successfully received recognition for its innovative approach to talent development. WIRED goes beyond traditional strategies for talent pipeline preparation.  Wired focuses on bringing together state, local and federal entities; academic institutions; investment groups; foundations; business and industry to address the challenges associated with building a globally competitive and prepared workforce within its regions. Each of these entities, along with civic, investor, academic, entrepreneurial and philanthropic leaders, play a critical role. Each align and leverage their respective activities and resources in support of the regional economic vision.

As a WIRED region, Utah is supported with seed funding, technical assistance and support from a group of experts to implement a transformational approach to talent/workforce and economic development systems.

What is Utah's WIRED Initiative?

Utah's WIRED is focused on the creation of a replicable model for STEM education, with an initial implementation in the life sciences, bio-technical/bio-manufacturing industries. Utah’s goal for the WIRED initiative is the creation of a pipeline of talent to fill high-skilled, well-compensated jobs in the life sciences industry. To accomplish this, it seeks to develop a replicable model for science and technology education, with initial implementation in the bio-technical/bio-manufacturing area.

Central to the initiative is the program at Salt Lake Community College, headed by Dr. Tammy Goetz.  This program delivers science and technology curriculum, followed by “real world” education and training opportunities that result in high school, bachelors, and advanced degree possibilities. The Leonardo, The Leonardo on Wheels and the Astec Science Camps help to create early interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering and math

ARTICLES

Genentech, Gilead Struggle to Hire as Biotech Booms
U.S. biotech industry faces shortage of qualified scientists
Bloomberg.com
March 30, 2007

DOL Awards Utah More Than $8M Over Last 60 Days
Federal Grants Facilitates Biotech Workforce Education
KCPW
January 25, 2007

WIRED Receives $5 Million
WIRED program Labor Department deems Wasatch Front eligible for work force grants
The Salt Lake Tribune
January 18, 2007

Department of Labor Awards State $5 Million Grant
News Release - Governor's Office of Economic Development
January 17, 2007

SLCC biotechnology program gets a leg up
Grant money will allow both college and high school students hands-on training
The Salt Lake Tribune
December 23, 2006

$2 Million Grant to Boost Biomanufacturing Program at SLCC
Utah Business News Alert
December 15, 2006

Science Education Grants Awarded to Two Utah Colleges
KSL Channel 5 News
December 14, 2006

Utah Receives $3.2 Million for Training and Education in Life and Human Sciences
Utah Business Daily
December 14, 2006

Upcoming Events

The WIRED Partnership Alliance
Invites you to participate in

'A Day of Innovation'
WIRED Life Sciences Kick-Off

May 10, 2007
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Leonardo
209 East 500 South
(Library Square - enter from north side)
801-531-9800

Honored Guests

Hosted by

As a WIRED region, The Utah Life Sciences Employment and Development Initiative is supported with Department of Labor funding of $7 million to date.

WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) is focused on bringing together state, local and federal offices, academic and educational institutions, investment groups, foundations, business and industry to address the challenges associated with building a globally competitive and prepared workforce within its regions.

For more information on WIRED contact
pvaughn@utah.gov
801-538-8880

‘Day of Innovation’ May 10th was selected to celebrate a Day of Innovation in Utah’s life sciences’ WIRED community due to its historical significance.  The 1st serious and permanent move to remove the obstacles and demolish the barriers of the western frontier occurred on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Point, Utah.  The completion of the transcontinental railroad resulted in tremendous growth and development of the United States.  That tradition of innovation is a core component to Utah’s continued economic growth and expansion. 

"The only way to address the national challenge of global competition is by building strong regional economies. By bringing together all the key players including research universities, venture capital firms, economic and workforce development, regions can optimize their ability to innovate!"

Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary,

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training

UTAH RESOURCE LINKS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE LINKS