Uintah Basin Technical (UBTech) is taking bold steps to bridge the gap between education and industry demands with the launch of its Workforce Promise.
The initiative is designed to provide UBTech students with essential soft-skills training, offering exposure to key workplace behaviors and practices to enahnce their readiness for the workforce and align them with local employer needs.
The Workforce Promise covers eight core areas of soft skills crucial for today’s job market, including communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, and critical thinking. Students complete a four-hour online course to receive the “Workforce Promise Graduate” distinction, which they can proudly display on their resumes. This short-term training credential signals to prospective employers that they have received targeted training to develop soft skills, raising their awareness of critical workplace behaviors and expectations.
Industry partners are already showing enthusiastic support for the Workforce Promise, seeing it as a meaningful way to connect with potential hires who bring both technical and interpersonal skills to the table.
“The Workforce Promise gives us confidence that UBTech graduates come prepared not just with technical skills, but with the essential soft skills that directly address the gaps we often see with new hires.” Said CEO of Ashley Regional Medical Center, Alan Olive.
Students, too, are seeing the value of the Workforce Promise.
“Having the Workforce Promise on my resume tells employers I’m ready for the job beyond just the technical skills,” shared UBTech student, Sharon Rodriguez. “It shows I know how to communicate, work with others, and adapt – things that make a real difference when starting a new job.”
Employers participating in the Workforce Promise pledge to offer an interview to any UBTech graduate who completes the training and meets the position qualifications.
“Workforce Promise is the key to meeting industry demand for soft skills,” said UBTech President, Aaron Weight. “This initiative strengthens our entire community by connecting well-prepared students with supportive employers.”
The Workforce Promise doesn’t end with soft-skills training; it also offers a unique, cost-free remediation benefit. Within a year of hiring, employers can request refresher training for UBTech graduates who completed the Workforce Promise, or graduates can independently request additional soft-skills training—all at no cost to support workplace readiness and professional growth.
Uintah Basin Healthcare Vice President of Human Resources/Professional Services, Randall Bennett, added, “Knowing that UBTech stands behind its students even after they’re hired provides an added layer of support, ensuring that both students and employers have a partner in success.”
Workforce Promise supporters and pledged employers will have their logos displayed on the UBTech website and in return, they are encouraged to use the Workforce Promise logo on their own sites, showcasing their commitment to supporting local talent.
The Workforce Promise sets a high bar for student preparedness and aligns with UBTech’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality technical education.
For more details on the Workforce Promise, please visit UBTech’s website at www.ubtech.edu/workforcepromise.
CEO of Ashley Regional Medical Center, Alan Olive, discusses the importance of soft skills and highlights the benefits of UBTech’s Workforce Promise to students.
Human Resources Officer at Strata Networks, Andy Adamson, speaks to students about the value of soft skills in creating effective and adaptable team members in today’s job market.
Human Resource Manager at BHI, Jordan Evans, emphasizes the role of soft skills in building a strong and successful workforce, highlighting the alignment of UBTech’s Workforce Promise with industry needs.
Uintah Basin Healthcare Vice President of Human Resources/Professional Services, Randall Bennett, expresses gratitude to UBTech for preparing students with the skills needed to meet workforce demands.
