8th Graders Explore Future Careers at Central Tech Career Connections
September 19th, 2025
Over 1,300 8th graders will tour Central Tech during Career Connections, exploring programs, pathways, and future career opportunities.
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Central Tech's Explorer Program Expands to Five New Middle Schools
August 7th, 2025
The Explorer Program will serve more than 350 students this coming year. Each school will integrate it differently - offering the class in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade - but the mission remains the same: to give students a meaningful, hands-on start toward their future.
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Central Tech Breaks Ground on Expansion at Sapulpa Campus
August 7th, 2025
“This project is about access, access to education, access to training, and ultimately, access to life-changing career opportunities,” said Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech.
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A Strong Start - Mannford and Ripley Reflect on One Year of Central Tech's Explorer Program
August 1st, 2025
"Students started coming home saying things like, ‘I loved photography!’ or ‘Health was gross!’ and that kind of thinking is exactly what we want. They're connecting school to real life.”
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CareerTech Celebrates STEM Student Accomplishments
CareerTech students united at CentralTech in late March for a celebration of STEM student organization accomplishments. The awards ceremony, attended and sponsored by private industry and military leaders and advocates, highlighted statewide growth and participation of students charting their way to in-demand careers related to civil and military aerospace and cybersecurity.
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CareerTech Ready to Embrace Trump’s Commitment to Career Training
In a fast-changing economy, one thing remains constant: the value of skills. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology or the skilled trades, the need for trained professionals has never been greater.
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Fueling Workforce Success: The Critical Need to Invest in CareerTech Education
Across our state, students of all ages are gaining skills that matter. They’re learning to weld, to code, to care for patients, to manage projects, and to launch businesses. They’re stepping into the real world with real experience—often before they’ve even graduated high school. This is what Oklahoma CareerTech does best.
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A Dream of the Open Road
A 10-year-old from Broken Arrow writes to Central Tech about his trucking career aspirations. He receives an honorary truck driver recognition and a real-life truck experience.
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Dustin Ford’s Journey Through CareerTech and Beyond
Dustin Ford’s path to success was shaped by his early passion for science, robotics and hands-on learning. Growing up in Ripley, Oklahoma, he attended Central Technology Center for four years, a decision that laid the foundation for his career in information technology and cybersecurity.
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Shelly Rentz Receives Workforce Partner of the Year Award
This year, Shelly Rentz, Employment Services Coordinator at Central Tech, and Michelle Murray, Director of Services at Kiamichi Tech received the Workforce Partner of the Year award from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
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Economic Impact of CareerTech Programs Nears $1 Billion for State, New Study Finds
Oklahoma CareerTech’s 29 technology centers, 16 Skills Centers and 32 Adult Education and Family Literacy providers pumped nearly $1 billion into the state economy in fiscal 2023, according to a new report gauging the economic impact of the state’s CareerTech programs.
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Central Tech Expands Truck Driver Program As Industry Faces Major Shortage
That's why Central Tech is expanding its program for 14 other technology centers across the state of Oklahoma.
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Oklahoma CareerTech Sets Goal to Increase Enrollment by 15%
Oklahoma CareerTech officials announced a goal to increase systemwide enrollments another 15% to a record high of 599,854 in fiscal 2029.
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Metro Tech Now Offers CDL Truck Driver Training
Metro Tech has launched a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program at its South Bryant Campus, in partnership with Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training (TDT) program.
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New Investments in CareerTech Aim to Provide Relief for Booming Waitlist, Agency Hopes for More
With nursing positions in high demand, courses of study are also in high demand. Last year, Central Tech turned away 161 students from its health programs, according to its superintendent, Kent Burris. He hopes to make a dent in that waitlist by using some of the new CareerTech funding.
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Inaugural BPOC Graduation
Congratulations to our first Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) class on your graduation tonight!
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Meeting Jameson
Meet the future of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas – the next generation of skilled tradespeople who will keep our modern world up and running.
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Putting in the Work and Mastering the Skills
It’s not just about talent; it’s about putting in the work and mastering the skills. Mike Rowe spends time with students who are working hard to build their careers.
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A Farmer is Fixing It
I asked if Brent could spare an hour to share the secret of Central Tech’s remarkable success. He said sure, so we sat down in a hot tool room and had a chat. Our conversation is here. Please listen and share. It’s kind of important.
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NOC, Central Tech Driving Create Partnership
Northern Oklahoma College and Central Tech Truck Driving Training have entered into an agreement where students attending the truck driver training program in Enid may live in NOC Enid student housing.
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Oklahoma BPA wins at National Leadership Conference
Athena Frank, who is retired from Central Technology Center in Drumright, was elected to a three-year term on the National Board of Trustees and will serve as the board treasurer.
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Oklahoma DRS Helps High School Student Get Full Time Job
Gage Jacobs was a high school student who didn’t know what to do next. After going through the best step program, he now has a career.
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Students With Disabilities’ Free Summer Job Training & Paid Internships Start Soon
“BEST STEP can change lives,” Briscoe said. “From day one of BEST to the end of the week, friendships are made, skills are stronger and hope is alive. They take those skills and hope with them to STEP and become employees in the community where they gain experience, knowledge and a sense of value.”
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State Regents, CareerTech Sign Statewide Nursing Articulation Agreement
“When we come together for the benefit of Oklahoma students, the sky is the limit,” said Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders.
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CareerTech: A Key Element To Oklahoma's Workforce Development Success
It’s no secret that our CareerTech system is one of the best in the country.
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CareerTech Prepared to Answer Stitt’s Call for More Career Training
We agree with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt that more should be done to improve workforce development and meet the state’s demand for highly skilled workers.
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February is Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month
In a year of continued growth and new leadership, Oklahoma CareerTech affirmed its reputation for pursuing innovative ideas that break from tradition and the accepted paradigm.
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Oklahoma Celebrates Careers in Energy Week
Oklahoma is the nation’s third-largest producer of wind power, sixth-largest producer of crude oil, fifth-largest producer of natural gas and home to the world’s largest oil storage site. In addition, Oklahoma produces almost three times more energy than it consumes.
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No Worker Left Behind
A new eye-opening report on trends that will shape the future of workforce development in Oklahoma and the nation illustrates how CareerTech can and should play a starring role in a growing skills-based economy.
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Chieftain Stronger: What’s Included in the Upcoming School Bond
Classes might have just started for the district, but the administration and board at Sapulpa Public Schools are already thinking years down the road.
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TALLEY: Oklahoma’s CareerTech System
Since 1966, technology centers have played a vital role in economic development.
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College of Education and Human Sciences Honors Outstanding Alumni
The Outstanding Alumni award honors alumni who have demonstrated a distinguished career and continue to make impactful contributions to their profession and beyond. Their quest for excellence is shown through their accomplishments, service to the community and leadership.
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Oklahoma CareerTech Students Gather at State Capitol
State officers from Oklahoma CareerTech’s seven co-curricular student organizations attended the CareerTech Student Organization Day at the Capitol, visiting with legislators from their districts.
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Gov. Stitt Declares February Career & Technical Education Month
Governor Kevin Stitt declared February Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month, recognizing the educators, administrators and partners of the Oklahoma CareerTech system who make a significant impact on workforce development.
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US Education Secretary Praises Oklahoma CareerTech System
“What I saw here today was something that I want to lift up,” the education secretary said. “You’re doing it right here in Oklahoma."
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Oklahoma CareerTech Continues Growth
“We strive every day to provide students with skills demanded by the labor market in Oklahoma,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken.
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CDL Class Helps Fill A Need For More Drivers
“They come here with nothing and they’re gonna leave here with a CDL” Reece says when describing what the class offers.
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Governor Stitt Launches Workforce Transformation Task Force
“Oklahoma’s workforce must keep pace with the growing number of businesses expanding in and relocating to the state,” said Governor Stitt.
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Lee Denney Appointed Interim Chief of Staff of Oklahoma CareerTech
“CareerTech is vital to workforce development in the state, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders in advancing its mission as interim chief of staff.”
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Ninth CareerTech State Director Begins Official Duties
“I am honored to begin serving the state of Oklahoma in meeting the educational, training and workforce development needs of our state,” Haken said.
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New IRS Rule on Venmo, Cash App Payments
The IRS warned small business owners about the $600 threshold for receiving Form 1099-K for third-party payments exceeding $600.
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Hundreds Gather For Oklahoma's Women In Aviation & Aerospace Day
"Aviation is a beautiful community. It's a family community. And I'm just so proud to be a part of it,” Gigi Coleman said.
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A Meaningful Gift Idea For Families This Holiday Season
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here for millions of Oklahomans. There’s a way to leave yourself more time to enjoy holiday cheer and skip the long lines at the mall.
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Brent Haken Named Oklahoma CareerTech State Director
The Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education has selected Brent Haken as the ninth state director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
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Paramedic Students Hailed As Heroes
Oklahoma CareerTech is all about hands-on learning, and last week two paramedic instructors and their students took that learning approach to a whole new level at HOSA’s International Leadership Conference in Nashville.
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Training Program Prepares Military Veterans To Be Pipeline Inspectors
Coahran was part of the first class of students to train at Central Tech vocational school in Drumright, Oklahoma, and go to work for a company that provides pipeline construction inspector services to Williams.
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Drumright Teacher Retires After 45 Years Of Service, Reflects On Impacting Oklahomans
A picture is worth a thousand words. Danny Hoggatt has more than 3,500 former students’ pictures, covering the walls and parts of the ceiling in his office at Central Tech. He can point out each one. And tell you what they’re doing now.
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CareerTech Named CyberPatriot Center of Excellence
“CareerTech is dedicated to advancing CyberPatriot’s mission to promote more interest in cybersecurity careers or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines critical to U.S. security.”
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Six Inducted Into Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame
Waul worked for 42 years at Central Technology Center. He joined the tech center as a drafting instructor in 1973 and retired as superintendent in 2015.
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Meat Processing Workforce Education
Training can also be delivered via the Mobile Meat Processing Laboratory, a mobile classroom capable of traveling across the state to high schools, technology centers and industry partner sites.
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CareerTech Board Names Lee Denney As Interim State Director
“Dr. Lee Denney is a fierce advocate for students and Oklahoma career technology education,” said Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of public instruction.
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Garrett Hall - Central Tech, FFA, and SkillsUSA
“My father would always tell me to get into a trade everyone needed, so I would never be out of work and I’d always be able to provide for a family,” Hall said.
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Area Partnerships Result in CDL Training Program, Driving Range
Wes Watkins Technology Center is announcing its partnership with Central Tech to offer Class A Truck Driver Training.
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Oklahoma Top Workplaces 2021
The Oklahoman has recognized 84 Companies and Organizations in Oklahoma as Top Workplaces for 2021.
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CareerTech Shares Recipe For Success
Throughout the year, CareerTech provides the education and training components to meet Oklahoma’s workforce development needs...
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Oklahoma CareerTech Celebrating Skills Centers' 50th Anniversary
Gov. Kevin Stitt has proclaimed November as Oklahoma CareerTech Skills Centers Month.
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CareerTech Vital to Construction Industry Workforce
The demand for workers in construction careers across multiple sectors is expected to grow in Oklahoma through 2026.
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Creek County Teacher Nominated for Teacher of the Year
“To be in this position now feels like a dream, and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”
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Autry Superintendent: 'Demand is the Big Thing'
Central Tech, offers such a program — and according to the school, employment opportunities in the field are on the rise.
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Central Tech Builds New, State-of-the-Art Obstacle Course
The conclusion was to create a truly remarkable asset for the school’s Criminal Justice Program unlike anything else in the area.
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Evan Retherford - Central Tech & SkillsUSA
State champion welder graduates high school with honors – AND a job offer.
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Our Great America
In May, I attended a graduation ceremony for female inmates who had completed a special truck driver training through Central Tech in Drumright.
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Tulsa Community College Receives Grant to Help Adults Continue Higher Education
“The TRIO/EOC is program is not tied to a specific college but instead exists to assist individuals who want to enter, re-enter or transfer to post-secondary education programs,” said John Thao, the program’s director.
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Oklahoma HOSA Members, Advisers Recognized
Receiving the honor were Bobbie Sue Joslin, Wes Watkins Technology Center; Paula Estrada, Central Technology Center; and Lulla Wilson, Emerson Middle School in Oklahoma City.
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Female Inmates Graduate From Truck Driver Training Class
“This program and others like it align with our mission to help offenders transition successfully from the correctional system to the workplace,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Marcie Mack.
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Six Slated for Induction into Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame
Waul worked for 42 years at Central Technology Center. He joined the tech center as a drafting instructor in 1973 and retired as superintendent in 2015.
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Driver's License Tests Available Across CareerTech System
The Oklahoma CareerTech Testing Center is now offering Class D written driver’s license and motorcycle license tests throughout its network of test sites.
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Oklahoma CareerTech Students, Instructor Win NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Award recipients were selected from more than 4,200 applicants from all 50 U.S. states; Washington, D.C.; Guam; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; U.S. overseas military bases; and Canada.
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February is Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month
“The work of Oklahoma CareerTech across the state provides meaningful results for Oklahoma’s economy.”
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