Construction and design firms partner with UBTech Foundation
By Lezlee E. Whiting
Bryan Seeley remembers riding his bike to what was then UBATC (Uintah Basin Applied Technology College) to take computer classes that his mom enrolled him and his younger brother in over the summer.
While his career path took him to the Wasatch Front years ago, he still travels back home to Roosevelt to visit family and has not forgotten Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech).
Seeley works for SIRQ Construction, which partners with Method Studio. At SIRQ, Seeley oversees business development, marketing, and community outreach efforts. Both companies are enjoying tremendous growth thanks to their innovative business models. UBTech is pleased to announce that the construction and design companies are now UBTech student scholarship partners.
“I have seen the benefit of the technical college and recognize that all of the opportunities available aren’t sometimes realized by the students out there,” Seeley said. “When we started talking to President Weight, that was a driving force. We want to open up the students’ eyes to the possibilities of where they are capable of going in their careers.”
SIRQ and Method Studio scholarship opportunities start at $1,000 and go up yearly, said Mark Dockins, UBTech Vice President of Instructional Services.
SIRQ has ranked among Utah’s Top 10 construction companies. Method Studios, an architectural firm, has been named a Best of State. SIRQ and Method Studio have offices in Salt Lake City, St. George, and Rexburg, Idaho.
The two companies work closely together, complementing each other in fulfilling client services.
In addition to providing funding for scholarships, the partnership agreement includes participation by SIRQ and Method Studio twice annually in student engagement activities.
“That type of commitment from industry is invaluable,” said Sam Baker, UBTech civil drafting instructor. “Any time we interact with industry, it helps our students get a good foot in the door. It is the basis of seeing a great relationship built to where our students can be very successful,”
“Representatives with SIRQ have expressed a need for drafters who could work from home and telecommute. This is something UBTech can help with by providing qualified job applicants who graduate from UBTech’s Civil Drafting Technician program,” Baker said.
The 360-hour program runs September through May on an open entry/open exit basis. It is available to both high school and adult students.
“Our gratitude runs deep to SIRQ and Method Studio for their willingness to not only reach out to our students to help them further their career goals but for their financial contributions that make it possible for students to take the first step towards obtaining an education,” said UBTech President Aaron K. Weight.
