Running a small business in Utah means staying competitive in an ever-evolving market. One of the biggest challenges small business owners face is training employees without stretching their budget. Fortunately, Utah’s Custom Fit Training program provides state-subsidized, affordable, and customized workforce training to help businesses develop skilled employees and boost economic growth.
Whether you operate in Salt Lake County or another part of Utah, this guide will walk you through how the Custom Fit program works, how to apply, and which schools in Utah administer it.
What Is Custom Fit Training?
Custom Fit Training is a state-funded workforce training program that partners with Utah businesses to provide customized training at a shared cost. The program is managed by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and delivered through Utah’s technical colleges, Snow College, Utah State University Eastern, and Salt Lake Community College.
Each year, the Utah Legislature allocates funds to help businesses invest in employee training that strengthens their workforce while driving economic growth. Custom Fit Training can help companies across industries, including:
✅ Manufacturing
✅ Healthcare
✅ Technology & IT
✅ Construction & Skilled Trades
✅ Business & Leadership Development
✅ Workplace Safety & Compliance
Last year alone, the program trained over 19,000 employees across Utah, providing over 316,000 instructional hours tailored to business needs.
How Does the Program Work?
1️⃣ Find Your Regional Custom Fit Provider
- Custom Fit Training is administered locally through Utah’s technical colleges and community colleges. The provider depends on your county (see below for details).
2️⃣ Determine Your Eligibility
- Your business must be for-profit and located in Utah
- You must pay Utah state taxes
- Training is only available for W2/W4 employees (not independent contractors)
- Your company must cover at least 50% of the direct training costs
3️⃣ Request Training
- Businesses submit a request to their local Custom Fit Training coordinator
- Each training program is tailored to the company’s needs
- Courses are taught by expert instructors sourced by the college
4️⃣ Approval & Training Implementation
- Funding requests must be submitted at least two weeks before training begins
- Training is scheduled and conducted through the designated college
Which Schools Offer Custom Fit Training?
Custom Fit Training is available statewide but is administered regionally. Below is a breakdown of the participating colleges and their service areas:
Salt Lake County
📍 Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)
- Businesses in Salt Lake County can apply for SLCC Custom Fit Training
- Contact: SLCC Custom Fit Coordinator
- Website: SLCC Custom Fit Training
Utah’s Technical Colleges & Regional Service Areas
📍 Davis Technical College – Serves Davis & Morgan counties
📍 Ogden-Weber Technical College – Serves Weber County
📍 Bridgerland Technical College – Serves Cache, Box Elder, and Rich counties
📍 Tooele Technical College – Serves Tooele County
📍 Mountainland Technical College – Serves Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties
📍 Southwest Technical College – Serves Iron, Beaver, Garfield, and Kane counties
📍 Uintah Basin Technical College – Serves Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett counties
📍 Dixie Technical College – Serves Washington County
Additional Colleges Participating in Custom Fit
📍 Snow College – Serves Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne, and Piute counties
📍 Utah State University Eastern – Serves Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties
Each of these schools has a Custom Fit director who helps businesses create a training plan tailored to their needs.
How to Apply for Custom Fit Training
✅ Step 1: Identify which college or technical school serves your county
✅ Step 2: Contact the Custom Fit Training coordinator at your designated school
✅ Step 3: Submit your business information and funding request at least two weeks before training begins
✅ Step 4: Work with the school to select trainers and customize the curriculum
✅ Step 5: Start training your employees and split the cost with the state!
For businesses in Salt Lake County, you can apply directly through SLCC Custom Fit Training. If you are located elsewhere, visit the Utah System of Higher Education website to find your nearest Custom Fit provider.
Why Should Your Business Use Custom Fit Training?
✔️ Affordable Workforce Development – The state covers up to 50% of training costs
✔️ Flexible & Customizable – You choose the skills and training format
✔️ Industry-Specific Training – Get hands-on learning tailored to your business needs
✔️ Boost Employee Retention – Invest in your team and reduce turnover
✔️ Support Utah’s Economy – Strengthen your business while helping Utah’s workforce grow
Whether you need to train new employees, upskill existing workers, or meet industry compliance requirements, Custom Fit Training is a powerful tool for Utah businesses.
Final Thoughts
Utah’s Custom Fit Training program is an incredible opportunity for small business owners looking to enhance employee skills, stay competitive, and save on training costs.
If you own a for-profit business in Utah, don’t miss out on this state-subsidized training designed to help you grow and succeed.
👉 Find your Custom Fit provider today and invest in your workforce by calling 801-602-9873