BUILT BY INDUSTRY, FOR INDUSTRY A defining feature of the Civil Construction I program is its close alignment with industry needs. The curriculum was developed with input from Clyde Companies, and their supervisors, project managers and field professionals. Industry partners helped identify the skills that matter most for entry-level workers — skills that support safety, productivity and teamwork on active jobsites. These include understanding construction sequencing, recognizing hazards, reading plans and communicating effectively with crew members and supervisors. “Anything that gets built has to go through a civil construction process first,” said Lisa Birch, associate vice president of instruction at MTECH. “With the pace of growth in Utah and across the Mountain West, the need for workers who understand that process continues to increase.” Early estimates suggest that graduates can enter the workforce with a level of familiarity and confidence that would take two to three years to develop through on-the-job experience alone. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS A Well-Rounded Foundation Civil Construction I provides students with an overview of the construction lifecycle, from early planning through to project completion. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, helping students connect theory with real-world application. Areas of instruction include: • Civil construction processes, from mobilization to project handoff • Jobsite safety standards and hazard recognition • Blueprint reading, measurements and basic layout concepts • Soil types, gradations and aggregate fundamentals • Construction materials and placement concepts • Utilities installation and coordination • Environmental considerations and sustainable practices This broad foundation prepares graduates to adapt to a variety of roles and jobsite conditions. Contractors benefit from employees who understand how their tasks fit into the larger project and who recognize the importance of coordination, quality and safety. Hands-on Learning Hands-on training is another core component of the program. Students gain exposure to construction equipment through CAT heavy equipment simulators that replicate the movement, controls and operating conditions of real machinery. This experience helps students develop situational awareness and an understanding of how equipment, crews and workflows interact on a jobsite. Even if graduates don’t immediately operate equipment once they’re in the field, they will leave the program better prepared to work safely around heavy equipment and communicate effectively with operators and supervisors. For employers, this means improved jobsite readiness and reduced onboarding time for new hires. Emphasis on Safety Safety is woven throughout every aspect of the Civil Construction I program. Students are trained to identify potential hazards, follow established protocols and understand their role in maintaining a safe and productive work environment. This emphasis reflects industry priorities, particularly on complex jobsites where multiple trades, equipment and activities occur simultaneously. Graduates enter the workforce with a foundational safety mindset, supporting company safety cultures and reducing early-career incidents. Employers consistently note that safety awareness is one of the most valuable qualities in entry-level employees, making this focus a key strength of the program. Opportunities for All Ages The Civil Construction I program is open to individuals 17 and older, with high school students required to be in their senior year. This structure allows young people to explore construction careers while still in school and helps companies connect with future employees early. High school seniors attend tuition-free, reinforcing MTECH’s mission to provide no-cost technical education before graduation. Adult learners — including veterans and individuals seeking career changes or stable employment — benefit from a short, affordable pathway into the construction industry. 21
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