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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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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July 24th, 2025
“We don’t just teach people how to pass the CDL exam,” said Thorpe. “We train them to become professional drivers who are safe, skilled, and ready to go to work.
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June 16th, 2025
The week kicked off with a fun and informative orientation. During the BEST week, students explored career paths and job search strategies, practiced workplace and social skills, learned about life after high school, and connected with peers and mentors while building confidence, independence, and teamwork abilities.
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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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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 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 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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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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Congratulations to our first Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) class on your graduation tonight!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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“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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“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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It’s no secret that our CareerTech system is one of the best in the country.
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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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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 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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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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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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Since 1966, technology centers have played a vital role in economic development.
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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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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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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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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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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"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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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“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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“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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Wes Watkins Technology Center is announcing its partnership with Central Tech to offer Class A Truck Driver Training.
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The Oklahoman has recognized 84 Companies and Organizations in Oklahoma as Top Workplaces for 2021.
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Throughout the year, CareerTech provides the education and training components to meet Oklahoma’s workforce development needs...
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Gov. Kevin Stitt has proclaimed November as Oklahoma CareerTech Skills Centers Month.
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The demand for workers in construction careers across multiple sectors is expected to grow in Oklahoma through 2026.
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“To be in this position now feels like a dream, and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”
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Central Tech, offers such a program — and according to the school, employment opportunities in the field are on the rise.
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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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State champion welder graduates high school with honors – AND a job offer.
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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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“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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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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“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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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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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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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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“The work of Oklahoma CareerTech across the state provides meaningful results for Oklahoma’s economy.”
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