Beyond College Prep: ThrivePoint Academy's Next Big Step Program

Utah's economy is booming with opportunities in skilled trades, technology, and emerging industries, but many educational programs remain stuck in an outdated "college-for-everyone" mentality. ThrivePoint Academy of Utah's innovative Next Big Step program recognizes that success comes in many forms and prepares students for the careers that will actually drive Utah's future economy.

The College-Only Trap 

Many Utah schools operate under the assumption that college is the only path to success, leaving students unprepared for the reality of today's job market: 

Outdated Career Counseling: Traditional guidance focuses primarily on four-year university preparation, ignoring lucrative alternative pathways. 

Skills Gap Ignored: Utah employers desperately need skilled workers, but schools aren't preparing students for these in-demand careers. 

Student Debt Crisis: Many students graduate college with massive debt and degrees that don't lead to employment. 

One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Schools push college prep regardless of student interests, aptitudes, or career goals.

Utah's Real Economic Opportunities 

Skilled Trades Shortage: Utah faces critical shortages in electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and construction workers, with average salaries often exceeding those of college graduates. 

Technology Sector Growth: Utah's Silicon Slopes offers opportunities in coding, cybersecurity, and digital marketing that often don't require traditional four-year degrees. 

Healthcare Support Roles: Rapidly growing positions in medical assisting, dental hygiene, and healthcare technology offer stable, well-paying careers. 

Entrepreneurship Culture: Utah's business-friendly environment creates opportunities for young entrepreneurs to start successful businesses.

ThrivePoint's Next Big Step Program: Real Career Preparation 

Direct Trade School Partnerships: We maintain active relationships with Utah's top trade schools, including Salt Lake Community College's skilled trades programs, Bridgerland Technical College, and Davis Technical College. 

Live Apprenticeship Connections: Students connect directly with Utah employers offering apprenticeships in electrical work, plumbing, automotive technology, and manufacturing. 

Industry Mentor Program: Local professionals mentor students in real-world career exploration and skill development. 

Hands-On Experience: Students complete actual projects and internships, not just theoretical coursework. 

Comprehensive Career Pathway Support 

Individual Career Assessment: Every student receives professional career interest and aptitude testing to identify optimal career paths. 

Industry Certification Preparation: Students can earn industry-recognized certifications while still in high school, giving them immediate employment advantages. 

Financial Literacy Training: Comprehensive education about career earnings, education costs, and financial planning for different career paths. 

Job Placement Assistance: Active support in finding employment or continuing education opportunities after graduation.

Utah's Hidden Career Opportunities 

Renewable Energy Sector: Solar and wind energy jobs that offer excellent pay and job security in Utah's growing green economy. 

Advanced Manufacturing: Modern manufacturing roles that use technology and offer career advancement without requiring four-year degrees. 

Transportation and Logistics: Utah's position as a western distribution hub creates numerous opportunities in logistics and transportation management. 

Emergency Services: Fire, police, and emergency medical services that offer stable careers with excellent benefits. 

Real Success Stories from Next Big Step Graduates

Sarah, Class of 2023

Completed ThrivePoint's electrical pre-apprenticeship program and now earns $28/hour as a first-year apprentice electrician - more than many college graduates make starting out.

Ezekiel, Class of 2022

Used ThrivePoint's entrepreneurship track to start a successful landscaping business; now employs three other young adults and plans to expand statewide.

Jeremy, Class of 2024

Graduated with her EMT certification and immediately joined Park City Fire Department while pursuing her paramedic training.

The Financial Advantage of Career-Ready Education 

Immediate Earnings: Many Next Big Step graduates enter careers immediately, earning money while their peers accumulate college debt. 

Lower Education Costs: Trade programs and certifications cost a fraction of four-year degrees while often leading to higher lifetime earnings. 

Job Security: Skilled trades and technical careers are difficult to outsource or automate, providing long-term employment security. 

Advancement Opportunities: Many skilled trades offer clear paths to supervisory roles, business ownership, or specialized expertise.

Connecting Students to Utah's Future 

Local Industry Partnerships: ThrivePoint maintains relationships with over 50 Utah employers actively seeking skilled workers. 

Real-World Projects: Students work on actual community projects, building skills while contributing to Utah communities. 

Professional Networks: Students graduate with established connections to industry professionals and potential employers. 

Continued Support: Our career services continue supporting graduates as they advance in their chosen fields.

Beyond Traditional Career Counseling 

While other schools might offer generic career exploration, ThrivePoint's Next Big Step program provides: 

Actual Experience: Students don't just learn about careers; they experience them through internships and projects. 

Industry Connections: Direct access to employers, not just information about industries. 

Skill Development: Real technical and professional skills, not just academic preparation. 

Multiple Pathways: Recognition that students can succeed through trades, entrepreneurship, community college, or four-year university - whatever matches their goals. 

Preparing for Utah's Economic Future 

Utah's economy will be built by skilled workers, innovative entrepreneurs, and technically trained professionals. ThrivePoint Academy's Next Big Step program ensures our graduates are ready to: 

• Fill critical workforce needs in Utah's growing industries 
• Start successful businesses that create jobs for other Utahns 
• Advance quickly in careers that offer stability and growth 
• Contribute meaningfully to Utah's continued economic success 

Ready to explore career pathways that lead to real success? Contact ThrivePoint Academy of Utah to learn how our Next Big Step program can launch your student into a thriving career, not just college debt.