From Classroom to Career: SLCC's Machinist Program Opens Doors for Autistic Adults

Westpointe Campus Hosts First Cohort of Uniquely Abled Machinists through Salt Lake Tech

In a classroom at Salt Lake Community College's Westpointe campus, six adults who represent a population who face sharp unemployment or underemployment rates are now stepping into Utah's manufacturing industry as skilled machinists. All recently graduated from the Utah Uniquely Abled Machinist Program (UUAMP), a first-of-its-kind initiative in Utah that leads to stable and meaningful careers for individuals on the autism spectrum.

This program is the result of a partnership between Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), the Columbus Community Center, the Uniquely Abled Project, and the Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA). The students successfully completed a rigorous 12-week CNC Machinist Technician training program, and most have since received offers from local manufacturers, some of which include Boeing, Complex Fabricators, and Paramount Machine. 

Typically, the unemployment and under-employment rate is extremely high among this population. For example, an individual who has earned a bachelor's degree who is a bagger at a grocery store, explained Amy Wadsworth, the program director of the Columbus Community Center's NextWork Academy for Autistic Adults. "Their potential is not being tapped into or utilized, and it is because of things we can absolutely work around."

Funded by a Return to Work grant from Talent Ready Utah, UUAMP introduced this nationally recognized model to the state, equipping uniquely abled individuals with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in manufacturing. The program combines 180 hours of technical machining instruction delivered by SLCC with job readiness training, coaching, and workplace preparation provided by Columbus Community Center. This model boosts an 85% job placement rate.

Expanding to train new technicians to fill high demand positions

SLCC collaborated with local manufacturers to tailor training for roles such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators, machinist apprentices, and mill/lathe technicians—all well-paying positions with benefits at prominent local companies. "We're giving these individuals the chance to build careers, not just jobs," said Wadsworth.

The six students attended class three hours each day, Monday through Thursday, at SLCC's Westpointe Campus—a hub for the College's Salt Lake Tech courses. Lectures, activities, and discussion were held in a computer lab adjacent to a large machining area filled with CNC and manual machines. 

"If you like satisfying work, this is the perfect job. Seeing the metal get cut and refined—it feels meaningful because people rely on these parts for things like medical equipment and aerospace," said 21-year-old Ashton Jenks, who had previously had a job in landscaping, one where he assembled parts, and a stint with Amazon.

"I came in not knowing anything and ended up liking it a lot more than I expected. It's really hands on, and being able to be so precise is satisfying," said a proud 22-year-old Alyvia Hurtado at her graduation ceremony. "I like that this type of work—it is consistent and predictable. I'm absolutely excited about the career path ahead of me." Previously, Hurtado worked in a call center and in retail.

The success of the program now opens the door to more students on the autism spectrum with three additional cohorts planned through 2026, each accommodating eight students. Salt Lake Tech faculty member and UUAMP instructor Doug Richter, who teaches the 12-week course, is getting ready for the new cohort that will start next week. "It might sound cliché, but the biggest surprise was how much I enjoyed it and how rewarding it was. These students were super fun to interact with, and I'm optimistic about their futures."

To learn more about the Utah Uniquely Abled Machinist Program, visit Columbus NextWork Academy for Autistic Adults.