In traditional education, high school and university students learn and progress by beginning and completing classes at the same time (e.g., quarters, semesters) and graduate after they have completed all prescribed classes on a grade-to-grade basis (e.g., freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). This system of learning is often referred to as lock-step learning.
Competency-based technical education directly addresses the technical part of education. We focus our efforts on teaching students up-to-date technical and workplace skills that will help them obtain their new jobs. In competency-based education, students graduate when they demonstrate mastery in all required courses. Learning, job skills, and competency are the key factors within this system of education … for the student and the institution. The mastery of subject matter is demonstrated through business and industry approved standards and assessments. This mastery is achieved through participation in a hands-on-learning environment, and is tied to observable, measurable performance objectives. Students and instructors interact daily in a one-on-one or small-group basis. This provides a rigorous educational environment where students can exercise self-directed learning and gain personalized attention.
The fast-paced workplace in our society today is being driven more and more by technology; because of this, there is a strong call for more competency-based technical education in Utah and throughout America, education that focuses directly on the technical skills employers require for specific jobs within their companies. These types of skills are: (1) individual hands-on education based on the equipment, work processes, safety procedures, etc., being used and followed by their own workers, and (2) teamwork and communication to help newly hired employees fit in quickly and know how to work effectively with other workers.
We maintain a 67% monthly cumulative progress standard for students. However, some programs, sponsors, or students have higher standards that take precedence. There are instructors, counselors, and Financial Aid advisors available to assist students in achieving this goal.
Once our students become employees, they retain the option of being able to continue their education toward an undergraduate degree or to learn additional advanced technical skills. In addition, many of our graduates are able to continue college if they choose to, because they now have well-paying technical jobs that help cover tuition and other expenses.
