Providing Quality Vocational Service to our communities across Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City, Holladay, Sandy, Midvale, Murray, Taylorsville
At Grandma Swan Smith Vocational Rehab Program, we believe in empowering individuals with hands-on vocational training and community-driven support. Founded by Thomas C. Smith, our program is a unique initiative that blends culinary arts, skilled trades, and rehabilitation services to create meaningful opportunities for individuals looking to build a brighter future.
Our program operates a food truck serving high-quality Southern Tex-Mex and Island-inspired cuisine, inspired by the rich heritage of the Swan-Smith family. But we offer more than just great food—we provide vocational training in culinary arts, horticulture, aquatics, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, electrical plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and construction. Through partnerships with industry professionals, we ensure hands-on learning experiences that translate into real-world skills.
We are deeply committed to urban renewal and community support, ensuring that socioeconomic status is never a barrier to personal growth. Whether it’s training individuals for new careers or assisting those in need with home improvements, our mission is to uplift and support our community. If there's a need, we find a way to fulfill it—because at Grandma Swan Smith Vocational Rehab Program, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed.
Our Vocational Curriculum Includes:
Hands-on training in food preparation, customer service, and mobile kitchen operations through real-world experience on our active food truck serving Tex-Mex/Island Dishes.
Build foundational skills in carpentry, drywall, framing, and residential renovation work, with opportunities to contribute to real community projects.
Learn professional cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management with a focus on Southern, Tex-Mex, and Island-inspired cuisine.
Gain experience in plant care, gardening, sustainable landscaping, and small-scale food production.
Develop skills in vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
Train in servicing and repairing diesel engines used in trucks, heavy equipment, and industrial machinery.
Explore the fundamentals of aquaponics and hydroponics, combining water-based farming with sustainable environmental practices.
Learn the basics of electrical wiring and plumbing systems, including installation, repair, and safety protocols.
Hands-on training in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, focusing on repair, maintenance, and energy efficiency.
We know how vital it is to equip everyone with hands-on livelihood skills. That’s why we approach everyone with care and compassion. Your satisfaction is our top priority—if you’re not completely happy, we’ll go above and beyond to ensure your expectations are met.
Experienced Instructors
All instructors and industry partners are required to have at least five years of experience in their fields and undergo a comprehensive background check to guarantee reliable, safe, and professional service.
Industry Gold Standards
We leverage state-of-the-art technology and equipment to guarantee optimal results for every landscaping project, ensuring fast, efficient, and reliable service with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Affordable
We provide affordable, community-focused landscaping services, delivering high-quality results at competitive prices while staying connected to our local neighborhoods.
When you need to learn a skill fast, done right, and done with integrity, we’re the vocational rehab provider you can count on every time.
Get quick, actionable tips and expert advice to help you make the most of our services and stay informed.
Building Skills for a Bright Future
At Grandma Swan Smith Vocational Rehab Program, we are dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. Our program offers a wide range of vocational training opportunities, from technical skills to soft skills like communication and time management. By working closely with each participant, we ensure that they receive the personalized support needed to reach their career goals. Whether it’s through hands-on training or professional development workshops, we help individuals build the confidence to pursue fulfilling careers. With a focus on long-term success, our program empowers participants to take charge of their futures.
Overcoming Barriers in the Workforce: How Vocational Rehab Helps
The workforce can present significant barriers for many individuals, but vocational rehabilitation programs, like Grandma Swan Smith’s, provide essential support in overcoming these challenges. Whether it’s dealing with physical disabilities, mental health issues, or lack of work experience, our program is designed to meet individuals where they are. Through customized job training, resume building, and interview coaching, we work to prepare participants for success in competitive job markets. With the guidance of dedicated professionals, many individuals who once felt discouraged are now confidently entering the workforce. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at pursuing their career aspirations.
The Role of Family Support in Vocational Rehab Programs
Family plays a crucial role in the success of any vocational rehabilitation program, and Grandma Swan Smith Vocational Rehab Program encourages the involvement of loved ones throughout the journey. Family members often provide the emotional support and encouragement needed to help individuals stay motivated and overcome obstacles. By working closely with families, we ensure that the rehab process is a collaborative effort, creating a strong network of support for each participant. We also offer resources and advice for families to help them better understand the challenges their loved ones may face in the workforce. Together, we can create an environment of encouragement, patience, and success.
"The Horticulture program at Grandma Swan Smith Vocational Rehab was fantastic! I gained valuable skills in plant care and sustainable landscaping that have prepared me for a career in the field."
— Finn T.
"The Auto Mechanics and Diesel Mechanics training gave me real hands-on experience and essential skills in vehicle repair. I'm now confident in my ability to work on both gasoline and diesel engines!"
— Paul W.
"The Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC programs taught me vital trade skills, and the hands-on training made everything easy to understand. I'm excited to start my career in HVAC thanks to this program!"
— Andrew S.
Interested in applying for our Vocational Training? Take this Questionnaire today!
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For more information, check out our FAQs below for quick answers to common questions.
Our programs are designed for individuals seeking hands-on training and job readiness support, including those with disabilities, youth in transition, and adults looking to gain new skills.
We offer training in culinary arts, horticulture, aquatics, auto and diesel mechanics, general construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more.
We’re based in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and serve the surrounding areas with both on-site training and community-based learning opportunities.
Yes! We offer job readiness coaching and connect participants with local employment opportunities in their trained fields.
Yes! We welcome volunteers who are passionate about community uplift, mentorship, and supporting our hands-on training programs. Whether you're a trades professional, culinary expert, or just someone who wants to help, we’d love to hear from you.
You can contact us directly by phone or text, or fill out our contact form online. We’ll be happy to guide you through the enrollment process!
BUSINESS HOURS
MONDAY – FRIDAY
9:00am - 6:00pm
SATURDAY - SUNDAY
CLOSED