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Improving workforce development, recruiting new businesses and retaining existing businesses are top priorities for state leaders as the 2024 legislative session begins.
Achieving these goals will require more skilled workers and more career training opportunities in Oklahoma.
The state Legislature will soon introduce legislation that would strengthen the career and technology education system across Oklahoma and close the skills gap in industries that require highly skilled workers.
Oklahoma CareerTech provides career training through a network of 397 school districts, 29 technology centers, and 16 skill centers, and is a key partner in expanding career readiness programs in education and achieving the state’s workforce goals. Many people see this as a driving force.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who was recently appointed Oklahoma’s Secretary of Workforce and Economic Development, said continued investment in the CareerTech program is “key” to Oklahoma’s workforce development success.
“It’s no secret that our CareerTech system is one of the best in the country,” Pinnell said. “Our 29 technology centers offer 121 unique degree programs, giving Oklahomans in all 77 counties the opportunity to turn their passions into paychecks.”
We agree with Governor Kevin Stitt and other state leaders that more can be done to meet the labor needs of Oklahoma employers.
The waiting list for students wishing to enroll in full-time training programs at CareerTech’s 29 technology centers remains excruciatingly long, at approximately 7,500 students. Additionally, approximately 40% of Oklahoma high school graduates choose not to attend college or pursue technical training, meaning the number of career tech graduates is likely to increase.
Meanwhile, state funding for the technology center program decreased from $58.27 million in fiscal year 2015 to $50.46 million in fiscal year 2024. This is a 13.4% decrease in state funding, an alarming trend, especially since many Americans believe career preparation should be a higher priority. Secondary education.
According to the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce, by 2027, 70% of all jobs will require education or training beyond a high school diploma. By all accounts, the need for career-prepared educational opportunities is growing, and this means Oklahoma State’s mission. CareerTech is more relevant than ever.
Additionally, all full-time CareerTech programs are developed in conjunction with Oklahoma companies. All programs offered at the middle school, high school, and technology center are overseen by an advisory board.
Comprised of industry experts and educators. This ensures that the skills we teach are practical and in demand by Oklahoma employers.
If we want to improve workforce development, attract new companies to the state, and retain existing businesses, we will need to seriously invest in educating our workforce. This investment in career readiness should reflect the state’s growing appetite for career training.
Oklahoma CareerTech’s fiscal year 2025 budget request is $201,956,568, a 26% increase compared to CareerTech’s fiscal year 2024 state budget.
A $41.75 million increase in state funding is the only way to eliminate the current waiting list for Oklahoma technology centers.
The request calls for an additional $37 million in workforce training investments, including $10.5 million for health care workers, $8.1 million for construction and $7.6 million for manufacturing. The remainder will be used to add 37 new career programs in agriculture. Arts; Information Technology; Management and Operations. public safety; hospitality and tourism; Audio/video technology and communications. and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Pinel said Oklahoma CareerTech is well-positioned to close the skills gap and meet the labor demands of Oklahoma employers.
“Let’s continue to invest in and promote Oklahoma Career Tech,” he said. “The future of our state depends on it.”
Brent Harken is the director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
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