As Utah’s construction boom continues to shape communities across the state, a growing concern looms over the industry’s ability to find enough skilled workers to meet the soaring demand. In response, Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) has launched a new Civil Construction program aimed at developing the next generation of construction professionals and alleviating workforce shortages.

From residential neighborhoods to commercial buildings and infrastructure upgrades, construction activity is visibly widespread throughout Utah County. However, despite the rapid development, construction firms are struggling to fill positions with qualified workers. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, over 19,000 skilled construction hires will be needed in 2024 alone to keep pace with current and upcoming projects.

To help bridge this gap, MTECH introduced its Civil Construction program last month at its Lehi campus. The four-month, hands-on course is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in civil construction fields. The program is being delivered in partnership with Clyde Companies, the parent company of well-known Utah-based contractors including WW Clyde, Geneva Rock, and Sunroc.

The curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in civil construction principles, including site preparation, safety protocols, equipment operation, and project management. It emphasizes practical, job-ready skills to ensure graduates are prepared to enter Utah’s growing construction sector.

On Monday, MTECH welcomed a crowd of dignitaries, educators, and construction industry leaders to celebrate the program’s official launch. Among the keynote speakers was Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson, who underscored the importance of workforce development to the state’s economic growth.

“I echo Gov. Cox’s call that in Utah, ‘We Must Build,’” Henderson said in a post on X following the event. “The MTECH Utah Civil Construction Program will provide the necessary tools for students headed into the construction industry. Our future workforce will thrive as we start now to provide the needed hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of skilled laborers.”

Henderson’s remarks align with Governor Spencer Cox’s broader goals, including his administration’s pledge to build 35,000 starter homes over the next five years to address the housing affordability crisis. Programs like MTECH’s are seen as vital to meeting the labor needs such an undertaking requires.

MTECH President Clay Christensen emphasized the college’s mission to offer real-world training that connects directly with employer needs. “At Mountainland Technical College, we believe in building futures, and today, we’re proud to help build Utah’s workforce, one skilled student at a time,” Christensen said.

The launch event also included hands-on demonstrations, allowing attendees to interact with training simulations and see firsthand the type of instruction students will receive. The immersive exercises showcased the program’s focus on blending classroom learning with practical field experiences, such as operating heavy equipment and interpreting construction plans.

The Civil Construction program is part of a broader effort by MTECH and Clyde Companies to establish a pipeline of trained workers who can step directly into high-demand roles in road building, utility installation, and commercial infrastructure projects.

Registration for the Civil Construction program opened on April 16, and interest has already been high, according to college officials. The program aims to not only support Utah’s construction industry but also provide students with pathways to high-paying, sustainable careers in the skilled trades.

For more information about the program or to register, visit: www.mtec.edu/programs/civil-construction.

Originally reported by Curtis Booker in Daily Herald.