The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Talent Ready Utah, diesel tech industry and education leaders today announced the expansion of the Utah Diesel Technician (Tech) Pathways program to include Dixie Tech College, in partnership with Washington County School District.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with industry leaders through our Talent Ready Utah Center,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “The partnership creates opportunities for businesses to increase their talent pipeline and provide rewarding careers for students. We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to Washington County School District and Dixie Technical College.”
The Diesel Tech Pathways program provides a path from high school and college into the diesel tech workforce. Students can earn a certification that guarantees an interview with participating companies and experience hands-on learning in the program through courses and industry job shadows. In addition to the program’s already existing industry partners (over 50), various companies from Washington County joined the partnership to support Utah students.
“The Utah Diesel Technician Pathways is all about industry, education and government collaborating together,” said Greg Marsing, director of service for the Rocky Mountain region at Cummins. “Through the efforts of many Utahns, there is great power in aligning together to engage our students early. Students in the pathway will prepare for a career filled with advancing technology and the opportunity to develop their skills continually.”
In conjunction with the original supporting companies, eight new companies from Southern Utah have joined this initiative:
Southern Utah Region
- Cummins Rocky Mountain
- Hennen Equipment
- Kenworth
- Napa Auto Parts
- Premier Truck Group
- Snap-on
- St. George City Fleet
- Walmart
Diesel Tech Pathways is a national best practice program implemented through the Talent Ready Utah initiative. Gov. Herbert announced the Talent Ready Utah Center in 2017 to develop and enhance programs to meet specific industry needs.
Since 2017, hundreds of students have enrolled in the Diesel Tech Pathways program along the Wasatch front. This Southern Utah pathways expansion will make the unique career-focused education opportunity available in Washington County for the first time. Industry leaders have provided partner schools with new, up-to-date technology, including new engines and complete toolsets. Dixie Tech College developed a curriculum focusing on specific skills needed to begin a successful career in diesel technology and will continue to work with companies to provide students with a hands-on learning experience.
“We’re very proud of our instructors and the work that has gone into creating a quality Diesel Program dedicated to meeting the needs of our industry partners,” said Jordan Rushton, vice president of Instruction. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Talent Ready Utah and to be included in the Diesel Pathways Program. As excited as we are as an institution, we’re even more excited for our students and the opportunities they will be afforded as graduates of this program.”