For the 11th year in a row, Central Technology Center has been named one of Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces by The Oklahoman. 

This statewide recognition is based entirely on feedback from Central Tech employees through an anonymous survey conducted by Energage, LLC, a third-party employee engagement company. The survey measures key areas of employee experience, including feeling respected and supported, opportunities for growth, and empowerment to achieve success. 

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” 

Superintendent Kent Burris said this honor reflects the culture that Central Tech employees have built together. 

“Central Tech is more than a workplace, it’s a community where people care about each other and believe in the power of what we do,” said Burris. “Our employees live our mission every day by helping students, businesses, and communities succeed. This recognition belongs to every team member who makes Central Tech a great place to work and grow.” 

Central Tech’s continued recognition as a Top Workplace highlights its commitment to a positive, people-first culture where everyone achieves success. 

Central Technology Center is expanding its Class A CDL Truck Driver Training program through new partnerships with Kiamichi Tech in Durant and Southern Tech in Ardmore. The collaboration brings one of the state’s most established training programs to more communities and supports the growing need for skilled truck drivers. 

As the statewide provider for Oklahoma CareerTech’s Truck Driver Training, Central Tech delivers Class A CDL instruction at 17 locations. These new sites in Durant and Ardmore strengthen the CareerTech system’s shared mission: preparing Oklahomans for good jobs and supplying businesses with skilled drivers. 

“Southern Tech is proud to join Central Tech in expanding CDL training to southern Oklahoma,” said Jason Phipps, Southern Tech’s Workforce & Economic Development Director. “Together, we’re creating new opportunities for students and solving real workforce challenges for our region.” 

“Our partnership with Central Tech is a powerful example of how the CareerTech system works together to meet local workforce needs. With state funding tied to this collaboration, we’re able to offer industry-leading truck driver training in Durant and help address the growing demand for CDL-credentialed professionals in Bryan County,” added Shelley Free, Superintendent of Kiamichi Tech. 

Central Tech’s program focuses on producing safe, job-ready drivers. Students train two-per-truck, receive more than 60 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, and complete an additional week of day and night road trips after earning their CDL. The full program is designed to be completed in 28 days, allowing students to transition quickly into high-demand careers. The program maintains a 99% job placement rate, with many graduates starting jobs that can lead to earnings of more than $61,000.  

The partnerships will help: 

• Students access local training and move quickly into stable, good-paying jobs. 

• Businesses hire certified, safety-focused drivers to meet growing demand. 

• Communities strengthen their workforce pipeline and support economic growth. 

“Partnering with Kiamichi Tech and Southern Tech lets us bring life-changing opportunities closer to home,” noted John Thorpe, Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training Director. “We’re here to help people gain skills, earn jobs, and support Oklahoma’s economy.” 

Central Technology Center recognized its latest Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) graduates during a ceremony held Tuesday, November 18, 2025, on the Drumright campus. The event marked the completion of its third Council on Law Enforcement Education & Training (CLEET)-certified academy and celebrated each cadet’s commitment to protecting and serving local communities. Like both previous academies, this graduating class continued a strong record of success of achieving a 100% pass rate. 

The academy prepared students for state peace officer roles by exceeding the required CLEET standard. Cadets completed the full 600-hour curriculum, plus an additional 94 hours of advanced, hands-on training. Instruction covered ethics, legal studies, community relations, traffic laws, defensive tactics, firearms, and scenario-based decision-making. Students also earned specialized certifications in areas such as Taser operation, PepperBall deployment, Stop Sticks, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, and patrol rifle and shotgun handling. 

Instructors from local law-enforcement agencies guest teach during the academy, giving students real-world insight into daily patrol work and modern policing challenges. Many agencies in the region regularly hire Central Tech graduates, making the academy an essential part of the area’s public-safety pipeline. 

“We saw tremendous dedication from this group,” said the academy’s instructor, Jason Littlefield. “They pushed through long days, tough scenarios, and a demanding schedule. They’re leaving here confident and ready to step into the field.” 

Central Tech leadership echoed that message, noting how the academy helps strengthen community safety. “These graduates represent the heart of public service,” said Kent Burris, Superintendent. “Their hard work and determination will make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.” 

With the ceremony complete, graduates are now eligible to pursue peace officer positions across Oklahoma. 

Central Tech celebrated their accomplishments and reaffirmed its vison to help every student achieve success. 

Every class at Central Tech has an advisory committee – a team of industry professionals, alumni, current students, and parents who help keep our programs strong, relevant, and connected to real jobs. Their insight drives everything from equipment upgrades to curriculum updates, making sure students learn the skills today’s workforce needs. 

Each fall, committees from programs gather in person for our annual advisory dinner meetings. These meetings bring together people who care deeply about student success. Committee members meet with instructors face-to-face, share what they’re seeing in the field, and connect with other community partners who want to strengthen the local workforce pipeline. 

Advisory committees are more than a once-a-year occurrence. They are year-round partners who help our instructors stay ahead of industry changes. Their feedback supports: 

• Updates to certifications and training 
• New equipment and technology 
• Safety and compliance standards 
• Stronger job placement and internship opportunities 

Instructors stay in contact with committee members throughout the year, using their guidance to shape lessons, refine hands-on projects, and ensure students graduate ready for high-demand jobs. 

“These meetings are a critical opportunity to get input from industry regarding curriculum, equipment, and to thank our committee members for investing their resources in our programs,” said Kent Burris, Superintendent.

Alumni often share how their training led directly to a successful career. Employers talk about the skills they need in new hires. Current students and parents offer honest feedback about their experience in the classroom. Together, their voices shape programs that serve every learner and strengthen our communities. 

These advisory meetings remind us why Central Tech’s mission matters. They reflect our commitment to providing training that leads to jobs, growth, and long-term success for students, local businesses, and communities. 

Students from Central Tech’s Drumright campus recently put their skills and compassion into action at the Gold4Kids Walk, an annual event hosted by the Gold4Kids Foundation of Tulsa. The walk celebrates survivors, encourages families battling childhood cancer, and honors the memory of children who have lost their battle.

This year’s event carried special meaning, as it marked the first Gold4Kids Walk since the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers and organizers were determined to make its return stronger than ever. “We wanted to show strong community support to help kick off the event’s return and keep it growing for years to come,” said Monica Frick, Cosmetology instructor and SkillsUSA advisor.

Student volunteers from four classes, representing three Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), worked together to deliver a busload of fun and free career-oriented activities for families.

Members of HOSA–Future Health Professionals from the Advanced Health Careers program hosted a Teddy Bear Clinic, where children received stuffed animals and practiced “treating” their bears’ boo-boos with skilled hands and caring hearts. Students from Business Professionals of America (BPA) in Business Information & Technology brought smiles to families by dressing as popular characters, greeting guests, and posing for photos. SkillsUSA students from Cosmetology offered colorful salon-style experiences including nail polish, hair tinsel, and hair chalk, alongside an art station and free popcorn.

“It was important to us that we had something for everyone to enjoy at our booths,” said Jaxyn Elliott, Cosmetology student and SkillsUSA member from Cushing High School.

A highlight of the day came from Digital Media student and BPA member Jason “Sam” Kelley of Drumright, who volunteered his photography talents to capture priceless memories for families and volunteers. His photos will be gifted to the Gold4Kids Foundation of Tulsa to help promote future events.

For students, the experience connected classroom learning to real-world service. “We got to use our skills to bring people joy,” shared BPA member and Cleveland High School student Jayden Wynn. “It wasn’t about money or recognition; it was about making a difference.” Many participants left inspired by the families they met.

“We thought we were there to help them … but they ended up inspiring us even more. It reminded us why we chose a career focused on helping others.”

– Karol Flores, Advanced Health Careers Student and HOSA member from Cushing

Central Tech students hope to continue supporting the Gold4Kids Walk each year, helping it grow stronger with every event. Projects like this show how career training and community service go hand in hand, proving that helping others is at the heart of every great career.

November 10-14, 2025, more than 1,300 students from Central Tech district high schools will tour programs at Sapulpa and/or Drumright campuses for the annual CT Showcase event.

Formerly known as “Sophomore Tours,” CT Showcase has expanded its audience with the growth of our program offerings. The purpose, however, remains the same: to help high school students make educated decisions about their future. “Central Tech benefits all students – whether they plan to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce,” said Central Tech Career Advisor Chet Cundiff. As students tour Central Tech campuses and classrooms, we want them to consider how our programs can help jumpstart their careers in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, business, and more.

• District high school students attend half-day, tuition-free.
• Central Tech offers full-time programs (1-2 years) for juniors and seniors.
• Specialized academies in Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Engineering can begin sophomore year – but juniors and seniors are still eligible to apply.
• Daily, round-trip transportation is provided from district high schools.
• Central Tech recruiters work directly with high school counselors to:
  • ensure graduation requirements are met
  • help balance concurrent enrollment, athletics, and extracurriculars.

• Even college- or military-bound students can gain hands-on skills and nationally recognized certifications that make them stronger candidates in any field.
• Some Central Tech programs qualify for college credit hours under prior learning agreements (PLA) with partner accredited universities.
• Many companies that hire Central Tech graduates offer education assistance programs; employees can achieve higher education goals with less debt, while gaining valuable industry experience, growing their professional network, and strengthening their resumes, among other typical corporate benefits.
• Central Tech graduates often enter the workforce above minimum-wage, allowing them to make more money [than other entry-level positions] while working less hours.
• Enlisted graduates often report that the skills they learned at Central Tech position them ahead of their peers in Advanced Individual Training.

• Online application for the Fall 2026 semester opens November 10, 2025 at centraltech.edu.
• Recruiters will begin conducting interviews on high school campuses in January. All applicants will be invited to interview. While students are encouraged to dress professionally, selections are based on grades, attendance, application, and alignment of interests and program availability— not appearance.
• Students will be notified of their acceptance by May 2026. Those not initially accepted may be placed on a waitlist or receive guidance for improving their application.

For students who don’t attend Central Tech during high school, opportunity doesn’t end at graduation. The CHOICES Tuition Waiver allows eligible students to attend Central Tech tuition-free for up to four years following high school graduation.

The Central Tech Foundation hosted its 19th annual Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, September 22, raising more than $40,000 to support students in need. The milestone event, held at Buffalo Rock Golf & Venue in Cushing, OK, welcomed 35 teams and 134 golfers across two flights. Proceeds benefit Central Tech students facing financial hardships. 

Each year, the Foundation provides emergency support for students with professional clothing, training supplies, tuition, transportation, medical needs, and other unexpected expenses. Over the past year alone, more than $45,000 was distributed to 141 students across 34 communities. 

“This tournament is proof of what happens when a community comes together,” said Kent Burris, Central Tech Superintendent. “Local businesses and friends step up year after year to make sure our students have what they need to stay in school, earn their certifications, start great careers, and ultimately achieve success.” 

Tournament results by team name and score:

AM FLIGHT

• A Flight 1st Place: A-Affordable Design
• A Flight 2nd Place: Bookout
• B Flight 1st Place: Technical Laboratory Systems
• B Flight 2nd Place: Willeford Construction
• Closest to the Pin on 2: Adam Markou
• Closest to the Pin on 11 and closest to the Line on 18: Jon Summers / Billy Shields

PM FLIGHT

• A Flight 1st Place: Tanner
• A Flight 2nd Place: Merrifield Office Supply
• B Flight 1st Place: Dr. Cantrell’s Vision Center
• B Flight 2nd Place: Tedford Insurance #2
• Closest to the Pin on 2: Lance Garner / Jennifer Snow
• Closest to the Line on 18: Kurtis Allen / Debbie Moss

For more information on how to support the Central Tech Foundation or participate in future events, please contact Jennifer Arnold at 918.352.2552.

See all photoson Facebook here.