The Utah Petroleum Association is proud to announce our 2026 Charity Pick, Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech). We are focused on helping fund upgrades to UBTech’s Drilling Simulator program, a critical training tool for Utah’s next generation of energy professionals.

UBTech delivers hands-on, industry-aligned instruction using the IADC WellSharp curriculum to ensure students are workforce-ready for today’s evolving energy sector. As drilling technology continues to advance, it is essential that training tools evolve alongside it. Modern drilling simulators provide the realism and operational complexity that students need to safely practice critical well-control scenarios, strengthen situational awareness and develop sound decision-making skills before entering the field.

Upgrading this simulation equipment will enhance training quality, better prepare students for real-world operations, and align with the safety expectations of regional operators and service companies. Just as importantly, it will strengthen Utah’s energy economy by helping to ensure a steady supply of highly trained, safety-focused workers to support the long-term success of our industry.

It is UPA’s charity events and member participation — including the Basin Shootout, our Topgolf Charity Mixer and other fundraising efforts — that enable us to give back in meaningful ways. By selecting the UBTech Drilling Simulator project as the focus of UPA’s 2026 charity efforts, we demonstrate our investment in the workforce pipeline that sustains Utah’s oil and natural gas industry.

This initiative also reflects UPA’s broader commitment to safety, education and workforce development, and underscores the powerful role industry collaboration plays in preparing tomorrow’s energy professionals — right here in the Uinta Basin.