UBTech Excels Again at National SkillsUSA Competition

Once again, Uintah Basin Technical College has proven its exceptional caliber at the National SkillsUSA competition held last month in Georgia. UBTech students claimed seven national rankings, with two gold medals among them, setting new milestones at the national level.
This prestigious event, which emphasizes practical skills and hands-on demonstrations, attracts participants from all over the nation, challenging them in a variety of vocational and technical disciplines.
With travel expenses covered by Iowa Tanklines, UBTech proudly sent 23 state gold medalists to represent Utah in numerous skill categories.
“This year was particularly notable for UBTech as they upheld their impressive streak of producing national medalists, a tradition that has been ongoing since 2017,” said UBTech President Aaron Weight.
This year’s competition saw a record number of UBTech students on the podium, including an incredible fourth consecutive year with national champion gold medalists.
Brianne Bird emerged as a national champion, winning the gold medal in Medical Assisting. Bird returned to the national stage, as last year she competed in Nurse Assisting.
Strayden Olsen brought home a gold medal in Welding at the national SkillsUSA contest, qualifying him to try out for the AWS Welding Trials in 2025.
Olsen said the long hours of practice paid off during the competition which he said was both “fun and stressful!” Olsen said he holds a deep appreciation for the training given to him by instructor Rick Prather and the “outstanding support” of UBTech.
Ayden Stratz, another returning national competitor who placed gold last year in Motorcycle Service Technology, brought home the silver medal this year. Stratz is the first student in UBTech history to earn two national medals.
Stratz said he is aiming for gold next year as a post-secondary student. “My nationals experience this year was amazing. The competition was tougher. I had twice as many competitors,” he said.
Katie Hartle took a silver medal in Practical Nursing. “My competition covered every area of nursing. I’m proud of my silver medal and grateful to my advisors,” said Hartle. The mother of five said that UBTech’s Practical Nursing program was hard but has prepared her well. She said she plans to continue her education in nursing.
Harlie Darbro earned a silver medal in Medical Assisting as a post-secondary student. Darbro is grateful for the programs offered at UBTech and said her time at nationals gave her greater confidence in choosing the medical field as her career.
“My end goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and open my own family practice,” said Darbro.
After narrowly missing the podium last year with a fourth-place finish Ronald Salguero celebrated his bronze medal in Automotive Service Technology. He said his goal to be on the podium this year could not have been achieved without the help of instructor Tyler McKee.
“His automotive program is amazing,” said Salguero.
Dmitry Simmons returned with a bronze medal in Information Technology Services, having competed last year in the team category of Cyber Security.
“I was more confident this time and felt well-prepared, thanks to my instructor Heber’s support.” Simmons will be attending Utah State University and plans to pursue Cyber Security as a career.
“I am proud of the quality of instruction that UBTech faculty has proven time and time again,” said Weight. “Congratulations students! Go UBTech Titans!”
The success of these accomplished students was made possible thanks to the generous support of Iowa Tanklines. Company owner Todd and Kathy Bro assisted in covering the costs of travel for the SkillsUSA competitors.
“Their contribution played a vital role in enabling these students to showcase their skills on a national platform,” said Weight.
The collaboration between Bro and UBTech was established in 2019 to support students in their pursuit of SkillsUSA glory.
In expressing his passion for the partnership, Bro said that being involved with the community brings great satisfaction.
“I have immense appreciation for what UBTech stands for – offering hands-on education accessible to all,” said Bro.

Strayden Olsen returns home as a national champion from the National SkillsUSA Competition in the Welding – Individual event. He qualifies to try out for the AWS Welding Trials in 2025.

Ronald Salguero (left) and Ayden Stratz (right) are sporting their medals from the National SkillsUSA Competition. Salguero won bronze in Automotive Service Technology and Stratz won a silver medal in Motorcycle Service Technology. Stratz is the first UBTech student to become a two-time national medalist.

Three medical profession students earn podium standings at the National SkillsUSA Competition. Harlie Darbro (left) earned a silver medal in Medical Assisting as a post-secondary student. Katie Hartle (middle) took a silver medal in Practical Nursing. Brianne Bird won the gold medal in Medical Assisting as a secondary student (right).