Salt Lake City, Utah May 12, 2025 – Hosam Al-Baderi, founder and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Amari Motors and Amari Customs and Designs, is urging increased support for skilled trades and technical education to address the growing demand in Utah’s automotive, design, and manufacturing industries.
Drawing on his personal experience as a self-made entrepreneur and restoration specialist, Al-Baderi is appealing to city officials, local educational institutions, and residents to actively promote career options beyond traditional four-year university programs.
“Salt Lake City is filled with young individuals who have the potential to create tangible things — to restore, design, and innovate,” Al-Baderi stated. “However, we are not providing them with sufficient opportunities to discover these skills early on or pursue them seriously.”
According to the Utah System of Higher Education, over 40% of high school graduates in the state do not complete a college degree within a six-year timeframe. Simultaneously, the Utah Department of Workforce Services indicates a continuing shortage of skilled workers in trades such as automotive technology, welding, and fabrication – careers that offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
“Not everyone desires a desk job, and not every talent is suited for a university environment,” Al-Baderi commented. “We need more vocational classes, expanded mentorship initiatives, additional apprenticeships — and fewer preconceived notions about what constitutes success.”
Al-Baderi, who began his career working at local auto repair shops in Salt Lake City before establishing two successful enterprises, attributes his achievements largely to hands-on learning and community support. His businesses currently employ a growing team of technicians, designers, and engineers who revitalize classic and exotic vehicles.
“The work we do is technical, creative, and highly sought after,” he added. “I see young individuals arrive with no prior experience and, within a year, they are designing or restoring builds worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. But someone needed to provide them with that initial opportunity.”
Why This Matters for Salt Lake City
- Utah is among the top 5 fastest-growing states, with its population projected to double by 2060 (Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute).
- The automotive repair and restoration market is expected to grow by over 3% annually, fueled by increasing interest in vintage and custom vehicles.
- Skilled trades jobs in Utah offer average salaries of $55,000-$75,000 per year, depending on the specialization, with many requiring only certifications or associate degrees.
A Call to Action: What Locals Can Do
Instead of waiting for policy changes, Al-Baderi encourages community members to take small but significant actions:
- Parents and mentors: Encourage teenagers to explore practical learning opportunities — from automotive clubs to vocational programs.
- Schools and districts: Preserve or reintroduce shop, fabrication, and auto tech courses.
- Local businesses: Provide internships, sponsor equipment, or collaborate with training facilities.
- Young people: Experiment. Be inquisitive. Request to volunteer or shadow a local professional.
“Salt Lake possesses the talent and the ambition. We simply need to make the path more apparent,” Al-Baderi stated. “When a young person learns to build or repair something with their own hands, it transforms their self-perception. That is empowering.”
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Hosam Al-Baderi
Source :Hosam Al-Baderi