by AdriAnne Larsen
alarsen@cherryroad.com

While it is well-known in the Uintah Basin that there are opportunities for post-secondary school education at the USU Uintah Basin campus and UBTech, there are also opportunities available to students still attending high school.

Those opportunities include technical education credits, college credits, and certificates that are pertinent to many different job markets and positions within those markets. The certificates that UBTech offers are industry-focused and short-term.

“Most certificates can be completed in under one year, and students receive the hands-on skills needed to be successful in a career,” said Stephanie Carter, vice president of public affairs and student advancement for UBTech said.

Carter also shared how widespread their certificate offering is.

“Over 40 certificates are available in the areas of medical professions; trades; business and industry; and energy services.”

In order to spread the word about those opportunities, UBTech will be holding a Junior Senior Parent Night, one at the Vernal campus and one at the Roosevelt campus.

Having these kind of credentials as a graduating high school student can be very valuable when entering the workforce. According to a study done by the Utah Data Research Center, an average student saw a 35-60% increase in wages after they received a certificate from a technical college in the state of Utah.

UBTech offers such certificates that are pertinent to the job markets found in the Uintah Basin and beyond. The study also stated that, “These certificate programs prepare students directly for the workforce.”

The study also highlighted that there is now a higher demand for what is called “middle skill“ careers. These careers do not require a bachelor’s degree but do require some education and skills beyond a high school degree.

Due to that, technical colleges like UBTech, have very valuable resources and education to offer not just current high school students, but those who may be beyond high school and want to increase their skills to increase their job opportunities.

Carter also emphasized other benefits that UBTech can offer to their students.

“UBTech can save students thousands of dollars,” she said. “UBTech coursework has the ability to transfer to other colleges and universities.”

UBTech has articulation agreements with Utah Valley University, Utah State University, Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, and Southern Utah University. Students have the ability to earn college credits during their high school years that will transfer to any of those colleges around the state, giving them a head start on any higher degree they would like to earn.

An added benefit of taking the classes while in high school is that they are free.

“During high school, students can enroll at UBTech tuition-free,” said Carter.

She added that those who have graduated high school can take advantage of their many available scholarships.

“This allows students to earn college credit at a very low cost,” Carter said.

During the Junior Senior Parent night, UBTech will have many opportunities set up for prospective students. Students who attend will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, visit with instructors and explore the programs at UBTech. There will also be a drawing for prizes and those attending will be given a free T-shirt.

To learn more about the Junior Senior Parent night, and to RSVP, visit www.ubtech.edu/parentnight.