ISU College of Technology Graduates Transition Directly Into Industry Careers Through Kiewit Partnership

As Idaho State University College of Technology students prepare for graduation, many are already transitioning directly into careers across the country through a growing partnership with Kiewit, one of North America's leading construction and engineering companies.

Following the College of Technology's signing day, students who accepted full-time positions and internships visited Kiewit's Itafos Mine in Soda Springs, Idaho, receiving firsthand exposure to the environments and operations connected to their future careers. The partnership connects graduates with opportunities in mining, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and industrial construction — industries facing some of the highest workforce demand in the country.

"This is why we come to work every day, to see students get this opportunity with a company like Kiewit," said Gerald "Jerry" Anhorn, Dean of the College of Technology. "This partnership reflects the value of what we do and the opportunities our students are stepping into."

Kiewit is a leading North American construction and engineering company with major operations in transportation, mining, energy, water resources, and industrial construction. The company delivers large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States and internationally and continues to face strong workforce demand across multiple sectors.

"Finding talent early has been a blessing to the company," said Katie Monus, Workforce Development and Talent Acquisition representative for Kiewit. “We are growing rapidly and cannot hire workers fast enough. Idaho State University has been instrumental in helping prepare students for workforce-ready positions across our operations nationwide."

Students placed through the partnership include full-time hires Matson Valenta and Thomas Taylor, both joining the Itafos Mine in Soda Springs, Idaho. Craft mechanic interns heading to positions nationwide include Justin Stubaus at the Man Choh Mine in Tok, Alaska; Dylan Lowder at the Itafos Mine in Soda Springs; Brandon Garcia at the Houma Louisiana Marine Yard; Johnny Miranda on a Colorado Mine Reclamation project in Meeker, Colorado; Taitt Zimmerman at Ironwood Power Station in Little Rock, Arkansas; and Cole Barendregt and Kevin Vega on energy projects in Abilene, Texas.

For more information about the Diesel program, visit isu.edu/dieseltechnology/ or contact Corinne Koelsch at the Idaho State University College of Technology at (208) 282-2800.