On Tuesday, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and Silicon Slopes announced a joint virtual job fair with an emphasis on, but not limited to, high-tech industries.

“We are excited to partner with Silicon Slopes to feature opportunities for those who may have recently experienced a layoff or for others looking for a new job in the new year,” Liz Carver, Workforce Development Division director, said in a press release. “Despite recent tech layoffs, Utah’s strong economy offers many options for Utahns to find the next step in their careers.”

According to the release, open positions are available in information technology, aerospace, health care, government, banking, transportation, education, food service, e-commerce and more.

“We know that many skills are transferable between industries. This job fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to explore their options,” Clint Betts, CEO of Silicon Slopes, said in a press release. “Many tech workers have the skills that easily transfer into fields like aerospace and defense, manufacturing or life sciences.”

In November 2022, the most recent available data, Utah boasted an unemployment rate of 2.2% compared to 3.7% nationwide. The data shows that, in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area, only three industries saw a decrease in employment — professional and business services, financial activities and wholesale trade.

Utah unemployment rose steadily to close 2022, sitting at 2.1% in October, 2.1% in September and 2.0% in August. Unemployment in Utah County has stayed steady with the statewide rate.

In Silicon Slopes, though, layoffs were plentiful as 2022 came to a close. In December, there were significant and prominent layoffs at Pluralsight, Route and Podium, among others.

The virtual job fair will be held on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Interested people can sign up at http://jobs.utah.gov.

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