UBTech Launches High Voltage Program to Power Up Careers in Energy
Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) is amping up opportunity with the launch of its High Voltage Program, designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in power distribution. Kicking off July 7 at the Vernal Campus, the program combines classroom instruction with intensive hands-on training to equip students with the real-world skills needed in the high-demand utility and energy sector.
Students enrolled in the eight-week course will learn to install, operate, and maintain electrical distribution systems. From boom vehicle operation and transformer theory to fall protection and rigging, the curriculum emphasizes safety while providing deep technical training. Participants will also earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
“There’s a real need for workers in power distribution, and we’re here to help students meet that need with the confidence and capability to succeed,” said Bryan Howard, an adjunct instructor from BHI, “Graduates can average around $65,000 to $80,000 annually.”
To showcase the industry, UBTech recently hosted a community pole climbing competition featuring professionals from Moonlake Electric Association, Deseret Power, BHI, Buckingham, Rocky Mountain Power, and High Voltage. The event, free and open to the public, featured multiple heats that highlighted agility, safety, and teamwork in action.
“It was a great event, not just for the competitors, but for the community,” said Seth Taylor, Director of Energy Services Programs at UBTech. “People got to see firsthand the kind of work that goes into this field—the skill, the physical effort, the teamwork. We really appreciate the support from our industry partners and are especially thankful to IRBY for providing lunch and helping bring everyone together.”
The High Voltage Program offers a launchpad into a booming industry where skilled workers are in high demand. For those ready to climb—literally and professionally—UBTech provides the training, tools, and connections to reach new heights.
To enter the program, students must be at least 18 years old. Evening classes run Monday through Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with pole climbing training held on Saturdays. UBTech is also making the program more accessible by offering scholarships for qualifying students.
Interested individuals can learn more at www.ubtech.edu.
An industry professional tackles a timed event during the UBTech High Voltage Climbing Competition in late June.
