In an effort to strengthen small Utah businesses, three state agencies are developing education programs to prepare manufacturers and vendors to compete for contracts with McDonnell Douglas and other aerospace manufacturers.
Officials from the custom fit training program in the Utah Office of Education, the short-term intensive training program under the direction of the State Board of Regents and the Utah procurement outreach program of the Utah Division of Business and Economic Development, are cooperating in the programs.Earlier this year, the Legislature created the Industrial Assistance Fund that was geared to McDonnell Douglas and other firms that could quality to buy more goods and services from Utah companies. By contracting with Utah businesses, McDonnell Douglas is able to draw money from a $10 million loan fund.
"Many Utah companies may be qualified to compete for contracts with McDonnell Douglas," said Lynn Blake, co-director of the Utah Division of Business and Economic Development.
"A lack of understanding about the bid process, or a need for training on how to produce products with the high-quality demands on the aerospace industry, may be the only things standing in the way of their potential to win new work, save jobs or create new jobs," he said.
Courses being produced by the three programs are "McDonnell Douglas Blueprint Reading" and "Quality Handbook Writing."
The Utah procurement outreach program is designed to assist Utah companies in competing for contracts with large companies and government, the short term intensive training program provides ongoing and customized training to employers who can create full-time jobs when trained people are available, and the custom fit training program provides tailored training for new and expanding companies.
Blake said individuals interested in training should contact their nearest custom fit training representative.