UBTech Sets New Record for Certificate Completions in FY26
Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech) is celebrating another historic year following the close of Fiscal Year 2026. While final certificate completion totals are still being verified, the College anticipates awarding more than 975 certificates, surpassing the previous record of 927 completions in FY25 and continuing a strong upward trend from 789 completions in FY24.
The achievement places UBTech within reach of one of its most ambitious objectives. Strategic Goal #1 calls for the College to reach 1,000 annual certificate completions by 2030, and current growth indicates UBTech is on track to achieve the benchmark years ahead of schedule. With only 25 certificates separating the college from its goal, FY26 marks a significant step forward in expanding workforce opportunities throughout the Uintah Basin and Utah.
"This record-breaking year reflects the hard work of our students, instructors, staff, industry partners, and supporters throughout the community," said UBTech President Aaron Weight. "Every certificate represents an individual who has invested in their future, strengthened their earning potential, and helped meet workforce needs across our region and state."
Beyond certificate completions, UBTech served more than 4,100 students during FY26 through technical training, workforce development courses, continuing education, customized employer training, and college certificate programs. As the Uintah Basin's College, UBTech remains committed to providing flexible educational opportunities supporting learners at every stage of their career journey.
A key driver of student success continues to be financial support provided through the UBTech Foundation and its scholarship partners. During FY26, UBTech awarded more than $2 million in scholarships, the largest amount in the College's history. More than 50 industry, business, foundations, and community partners made those opportunities possible through ongoing contributions, helping students overcome financial barriers and access career-focused education.
The impact extends far beyond the classroom. According to the 2025 USHE Wage Growth Comparisons Data, UBTech graduates experience a 46% median wage increase within one year of graduation, demonstrating the value and return on investment of technical education. The 2024 Cicero Utah Workforce Alignment Study found 55% of Utah employers believe a technical certificate provides the same earning and career opportunities as a degree, highlighting growing recognition of workforce-focused credentials.
With certificate completions projected to exceed 975 this year, UBTech is helping strengthen Utah's workforce pipeline by preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, transportation, energy, skilled trades, information technology, service industries, and other high-demand occupations. Those graduates enter the workforce with skills aligned to employer needs and contribute to the economic vitality of Utah's communities.
UBTech also continues to enhance workforce readiness through innovative initiatives such as Workforce Promise, a free offering launched in October 2024. Workforce Promise provides students with training in professionalism, communication, teamwork, workplace expectations, and other essential employability skills. Students who complete the program receive prioritized interview opportunities with participating employer partners. Since its launch, more than 100 students have completed Workforce Promise, further strengthening the connection between education and employment.
The College's commitment to excellence has also earned statewide recognition. In 2026, Research.com named UBTech the Top Welding College in Utah and the Top Automotive College in Utah, recognizing the quality of instruction, student outcomes, and industry alignment within those programs. Additionally, Best Value Schools named UBTech's Practical Nursing program the best in Utah, reinforcing the College's reputation for providing high-quality healthcare education.
These accomplishments reflect growing momentum at UBTech and reinforce the important role technical education plays in strengthening rural communities. As the Uintah Basin's College, UBTech remains focused on providing education leading directly to opportunity—helping students gain skills needed to secure meaningful employment, increase earning potential, and contribute to the region's economic success.
"We are grateful for the unwavering support from our students, employees, partners, donors, and community members," Weight said. "Together, we are creating opportunities, building a stronger workforce, and helping students achieve their goals. The success of FY26 demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in education and in one another."
The record-setting achievements of FY26 represent more than milestones for the institution. They represent lives changed, careers launched, employers strengthened, and a brighter future for the Uintah Basin and the state of Utah.
