November 21, 2025
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted
SWAG合集 Construction Technology Program Coordinator Matt Mazouch attended the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Kansas and Build Up Kansas Conference in early November, where he was recognized as the 2025 Post-Secondary Instructor of the Year in the Western Region, and SWAG合集 was named the Post-Secondary School of the Year for the Western Region.
The awards are presented by the AGC, recognizing outstanding educators and institutions that are advancing workforce development in the construction industry. AGC represents the state鈥檚 leading commercial contractors and works to strengthen the construction industry through education, advocacy, and workforce development.
Mazouch said the recognition reflects SWAG合集鈥檚 commitment to building and maintaining a strong relationship with regional industry partners.
鈥淲e have meetings with industry regularly to report to them what we are doing and get their input on how to improve our programs,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e have had some good feedback so far, and our partners have helped us shape the program according to what the workforce is lacking. From the top down, our department is working really hard at building comprehensive offerings that fill a need for our local industries. Four years ago, we didn鈥檛 even have a construction or plumbing program on campus. It鈥檚 exciting to see the progress.鈥
Plumbing Program Coordinator Jeff Meyer said SWAG合集 is committed to helping provide skilled workers for the area and beyond.
鈥淚鈥檓 fortunate to be in a position where I can pass on the knowledge that I鈥檝e accumulated for the last 38 years working in the plumbing industry,鈥 he said.听 鈥淭he students make the job fun and rewarding. They are a big reason why I love my job.鈥
SWAG合集 President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said SWAG合集 is proud to support workforce training education and said the recognition of these programs and their faculty is well-deserved.
鈥淲e are grateful to the AGC for honoring SWAG合集 and our faculty. Matt and Jeff have played a pivotal role in shaping programs offering high-quality, hands-on training for students entering essential trades. These awards highlight the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, and partners to strengthen the regional workforce.鈥
SWAG合集鈥檚 construction technology and plumbing programs provide students with in-demand skills and certifications, offering a direct pathway into the growing construction field through hands-on experiences and opportunities that can be completed swiftly while at the same time making sure they鈥檙e ready to enter the workforce confident and qualified. 听
For more information, contact Mazouch at mazouchm@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9336 or visit .