Inspiring the Next Generation: Helping Students Discover Careers in Technology

Last week, Cinch I.T. of Moab, Utah had the privilege of volunteering at Career Day at Grand County High School, spending the day inspiring the next generation and helping local high school students explore what a career in technology can look like.

Representing Cinch I.T. were Ben Crane and David Tatton, who met with students, discussed pathways into IT, and shared what it’s really like working in today’s fast-paced technology industry.

Inspiring the Next Generation in Careers in Technology Matters

Technology touches every industry from healthcare and construction to energy, education, and small business. Yet many students don’t fully understand what a career in IT actually involves. For some, “technology” simply means coding. For others, it’s an abstract concept tied to big tech companies far outside Southern Utah.

By showing up in person, local IT leaders can:

• Demystify the field of information technology

• Show that meaningful tech careers exist right here in Moab and Southern Utah

• Help students understand the wide range of roles in IT from cybersecurity and cloud services to network engineering and consulting

• Provide real-world context to what they’re learning in school

Early exposure helps students build a strong foundation and a realistic understanding of the industry. It also gives them confidence knowing that a path into technology is accessible, achievable, and supported by professionals in their own community.

For Cinch I.T. of Moab, inspiring the next generation and investing in the next generation isn’t just community service, it’s a commitment to strengthening the local workforce and ensuring that businesses in the region continue to have access to skilled, knowledgeable technology professionals in the future.

Ben and David Talking to Students

Meet the Cinch I.T. Leaders Who Attended

David Tatton – Regional Director, Cinch I.T.

David Tatton brings decades of IT leadership experience to Cinch I.T. and the Southern Utah community. He has an extensive background in technology management, engineering, and operations.

His experience spans enterprise IT management, infrastructure planning, and operational strategy giving students a practical look at how technology supports real-world business operations across industries.

David has helped lead Cinch I.T.’s managed services, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT consulting efforts across Southern Utah, focusing on proactive support and long-term client partnerships.

Ben Crane – Business Leader & Military Veteran

Ben Crane brings more than 24 years of leadership experience from the Utah Army National Guard, where he served in multiple roles including Recruiting Section Chief, Drill Sergeant, and Senior Recruiting and Retention NCO.

Throughout his military career, Ben was responsible for leading and developing recruiting teams across Southern Utah, mentoring and preparing new recruits for Basic Combat Training, and building strong, resilient teams through structure, discipline, and purpose.

At Cinch I.T., Ben applies his leadership, team-building, and consulting skills to help small businesses improve technology efficiency and growth. His background makes him uniquely positioned to mentor young people on leadership, discipline, career planning, and personal development whether in IT or beyond.

Building the Future of IT in Moab

When local professionals volunteer their time, it sends a powerful message: success isn’t just about business growth, it’s about community growth.

By participating in and inspiring the next generation at Career Day at Grand County High School, Cinch I.T. of Moab helped students connect the dots between education and opportunity. For some students, it may have sparked a new interest. For others, it may have reinforced a path they were already considering.

Either way, engagement matters.

Cinch I.T. of Moab remains committed to supporting local schools, inspiring the next generation of technology professionals, and strengthening the Southern Utah community through leadership, mentorship, and service.

Because today’s curious students are tomorrow’s cybersecurity analysts, IT managers, engineers and community leaders.

Join the Cinch I.T. Family

Whether you’re leading a financial institution, running a retail store, or managing a healthcare practice, Cinch I.T. offers IT support across the state of Utah that transforms technology into a true business advantage.