2025 Pub. 7 Special Edition

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Utah’s construction industry continues to grow at a remarkable pace. Population growth, transportation expansion, and ongoing residential and commercial development are driving sustained demand for infrastructure across the state. From roads and utilities to site preparation and vertical development, contractors are facing no shortage of work. What remains in short supply, however, is a steady pipeline of job-ready civil construction workers. Through a partnership with Clyde Companies, the parent company of WW Clyde, Geneva Rock, Sunroc, and others, Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) responded to this challenge in early 2025 by launching its Civil Construction I program, a hands-on, industry-driven training initiative designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the civil construction sector. Offered at MTECH’s Lehi campus, the program reflects a collaborative approach to workforce development — one that brings education and industry together to ensure graduates enter the civil construction field with practical skills, safety awareness and a clear understanding of jobsite expectations. MEETING WORKFORCE DEMAND WITH PRACTICAL TRAINING Utah invests billions of dollars each year in infrastructure projects, including transportation systems, utilities and land development. While this investment supports economic growth, it also places ongoing pressure on contractors to recruit, train and retain qualified employees. The Civil Construction I program was designed as a practical response to that demand. Rather than focusing on narrow or highly specialized tasks, the four-month program provides a broad foundation in civil construction, allowing graduates to contribute across a wide range of jobsite environments. The program consists of 120 hours of instruction and costs $570 for adult students. High school seniors may attend tuition-free, with minimal material fees. This accessibility helps remove financial barriers while supporting the long-term development of the construction workforce. STRENGTHENING UTAH’S CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE Inside Mountainland Technical College’s Civil Construction I Program 20

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