HEBER CITY, Utah — The landscape of vocational education in Utah is set to transform as Mountainland Technical College (MTech), the state's largest and fastest-growing technical college, prepares to unveil its new campus in Heber City this August. This strategic expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople in the region, especially given the significant commercial and residential growth in nearby Park City. Nestled between Heber and Midway, the construction of the new campus has been hard to miss for anyone traveling along the route. With this new facility, MTech aims to provide accessible education and training that will serve the local community and beyond. The school’s partnership with Utah Valley University (UVU) further strengthens educational opportunities in the area, allowing high school students from Park City to earn college credits while pursuing their diplomas. Kris Olsen, a Park City native and co-manager of the family-owned Olsen Electric, expressed enthusiasm about the new campus. Having struggled to find the right training opportunities close to home after graduating from Park City High School, Olsen sees the new MTech facility as a game-changer. “I’m excited to see more support for the trades,” he told TownLift. “Having something closer to home, I feel, will only help motivate people to get into those jobs.” Olsen’s sentiments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of skilled trades and the barriers that many face in pursuing them. The new campus will offer a variety of programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for immediate employment in high-demand fields. Among the courses available will be apprenticeships in electrical and plumbing, medical, nursing, and dental assistant training, emergency medical services, culinary arts, digital marketing and analytics, automotive, diesel, and welding technology, commercial driver’s licenses, and cosmetology programs. The breadth of offerings highlights MTech’s commitment to addressing the skills gap in various industries while also providing flexibility for individuals at different stages of their careers. One of the key advantages of attending a trade school like MTech is the accelerated pathway to obtaining professional licenses. Traditionally, aspiring tradespeople could spend a decade or more in pursuit of their Journeyman and Master licenses. However, MTech's structured programs can reduce that timeline significantly—students can earn a Journeyman license in about four years and a Master license in an additional two years. “With schooling, that timeline can be reduced to about four years for a Journeyman, with two more years to become a Master,” Olsen explained, underscoring the practical benefits of the new campus. MTech has been a cornerstone of technical education in Utah for 35 years, with existing campuses located in Lehi, Orem, Payson, Provo, and Spanish Fork. As one of Utah’s 16 higher education institutions, MTech integrates into the broader educational landscape, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing among various institutions. This interconnected system is particularly beneficial for students who may wish to transfer to in-state universities after completing their technical training. The demand for skilled workers in the region is evident, especially in light of the ongoing development in Park City, which is poised to create numerous job opportunities for graduates of MTech. The college is not only focused on helping individuals kickstart their careers but also on providing avenues for professionals seeking to upgrade their skills or earn academic credits. This makes MTech a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their employability in a competitive job market. Olsen emphasized that the learning process does not stop once a student achieves their licenses. “You should never assume that once you become a Master, you’re done learning,” he said. “In this trade, you’re always learning something new.” This philosophy of lifelong learning resonates throughout the technical education community and is a crucial element of MTech’s curriculum. Registration for courses at the new Heber City campus is set to open in April, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spots. Those interested can visit the MTech website for application details and further information about the programs offered. With the new campus, MTech is not just building a facility; it is laying the groundwork for the future workforce in Utah. As the opening date approaches, the excitement within the community continues to build, promising a bright future where local residents can access quality technical training right at their doorstep. The impact of this new campus will likely reverberate through the local economy, providing both educational opportunities and skilled professionals ready to take on the challenges of various industries.