The Business Technology Program training opportunity is offered through the Ogden-Weber Tech College for adult students seeking new skills and career options, including those interested in upgrading their current skills. High school students may also participate if approval is obtained from their CTE counselor and space is available in the program.
Completing the Business Technology Certificate provides opportunity to seek employment using job skills in basic records management, accounting practices, and business software applications such as Microsoft suite. Employment is found in all business areas, including large and small business, education, corporations, and self-employment.
Competencies include a broad range of technical skills using hardware and software, plus soft skills which include customer interaction. Gainful employment in industry is enhanced through completion of your business technology certificate.
The Ogden-Weber Tech College (OWATC) is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), an organization with over 35 years of assuring quality and integrity in career and technical education. This accreditation process is conducted on behalf of thousands of students across the nation pursuing careers in a variety of technical fields.
OWATC BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Ogden-Weber Tech College Business Technology Program is to prepare competent business technology specialists in cognitive (knowledge), Kinesthetic (hands-on), and affective (behavior) skills to succeed in a career within the area of business technology.
Working Conditions
Generally business technology workers work in well-lighted, clean office environments and can be full-time, part-time, or contract work, depending on the company. Working hours can vary from days to graveyard shifts.
Training, Requirements, and Qualifications
Employers look for experienced workers and credentials. Internships are encouraged as part of the college experience and count toward graduation credits. Credentials such as Microsoft Office Specialist certifications indicate the applicant meets certain standards of competence.
Employers expect workers to be punctual, ready to work, and self-motivated. The flexible competency-based training contributes to this expectation by using a login system for attendance, progress standards, and goal-setting to complete training in a timely manner.
Employers may conduct background checks as a precursor to employment. Any felonies and/or misdemeanors identified may impact employability or internship opportunities. The college counselor and program advisor can discuss the issues as needed.
Drug screening is part of the normal employment process.
Job Outlook and Earnings
Employment of Business technology workers in Utah is expected to have a 2.2% annual average growth rate through the year 2020, under the category of Office and Administrative Support Occupations, http://jobs.utah.gov/wi/pubs/outlooks/state/statepublish.pdf. However, training in this program is not necessarily limited to the office and administrative support field due to its broad-based content. As with all jobs, applicants will have to work hard to obtain employment. Our Workplace Relations course together with the Student Success Center helps prepare students for success in the workplace. The College offers support and assistance at the Student Success Center in the Union Building (UB106) to teach students how to search jobs, create resumes, interview and market their skills.
Earnings will vary depending on experience, skill level, location, and company pay structures. Job titles and descriptions in business technology are not standardized. Employers create job titles and descriptions for what the business requires applicants to perform. Job searches will require keywords to narrow the scope and find available employment in the marketplace.
Student Entrance Requirements
Requirements for enrollment into the program are determined to ensure student success. For students not meeting the basic requirements, the college provides support to reach minimum levels and entry into the program.
- Complete enrollment process
- Enroll in the college and pay fee (required for both adults and high school students)
- Reading assessment 10th grade reading and language level or higher or ACT score of 17 (valid for two years from test date)
- Attend academic advisement by appointment (an advisor will call) and preparation with the following:
- Review business technology industry overview (skills gained in the business technology program are applicable to a broad scope of employment opportunities so do not limit your search to administrative      support jobs)
- Review Job Search Checklist
Program Training Objectives
The Business Technology program offers two specialization areas listed below. Students will learn to perform skills required for the occupation, including but not limited to:
Accounting
- Principles in math
- Financial accounting
- Principles in managerial accounting
- QuickBooks
Computer Applications Specialist
- PC Basics and business software applications
- Business finances and management
- Records/information life-cycle management
- Business writing
- Develop and maintain essential human-relation and job seeking skills needed to obtain gainful and satisfying employment as a     business technology professional
Employee Advisory Team for Business Technology
- Associated Food Stores, Inc.
- Bank of Utah
- IRS
- Vernon Company
- Wal-Mart Distribution Center
Your Instructor(s)
Marcie Fujikawa, MAED/AEDL, is an instructor in the Business Technology Program. She has 10 years of industry experience including office manager of a camera/audiovisual repair store, bookkeeper for a local pre-school and civilian quality assurance supervisor military training materials contract along with 19 years of teaching in marketing/business. Ms. Fujikawa is a member of the National Business Education Association and Association of Records and Information Management Administrators (ARMA International). Ms. Fujikawa holds a current Utah State Office of Education Level 2 Educator License with endorsements in Distance Learning, Business Education, and Marketing Education.
E-Mail: fujikawj@owatc.edu
Phone: 801-627-8465
Office Hours:
Michael Jacobazzi, Th.D, MAED, is an instructor in the business technology program. Mike has spent twenty years working in business before switching careers to devote the last 12 years teaching in the field of business. Dr. Jacobazzi has been in leadership positions in fraternal organizations, actively involved in charitable activities and supports the local performing arts. Dr. Jacobazzi holds a current Utah State Office of Education Educator License with Appied Technology endorsements in Business Management and Material Handling.
E-Mail: jacobazm@owatc.edu
Phone: 801-627-8439
Office Hours:
Glora Kartchner, an instructor in the Business Technology Program, graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in business composites and a minor in dance. She worked as a legal secretary and taught at Jordan High School for two years. A USOE certified instructor, she has taught business English, correspondence, and keyboarding at the OWATC for 34 years.
E-Mail: kartchng@owatc.edu
Phone: 801-627-8366
Office Hours:
Larry Patane, M.Ed., is an instructor in the Business Technology Program. He has 8 years of experience working as an accountant for a CPA firm and as a Tax Examiner for the IRS. Mr. Patane has taught accounting for over 38 years and served in volunteer positions responsible for finances for The American Federation of Teachers, LDS Church, and Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Patane has a USOE teaching certificate for Applied Technology – Accounting endorsement.strong>
E-Mail: patanel@owatc.edu
Phone: 801-627-8364
Office Hours:
Program Completion Rates and Additional Information
*Individual choices may influence how long it takes to complete a program, which affects the overall on-time completion rate. For example:
- A student might only attend part-time instead of full-time.
- A student may wish to take additional elective courses.
- A student will progress through coursework at an individual rate in self-paced programs.
- A student could change to a different program before completing the first one.
**The Ogden-Weber tech college offers low tuition and multiple options for financial aid. It does not rely on loan programs so the median loan debt for all programs is zero, enabling students to enter the workforce with no student debt.
