CaptiveAire strengthens workforce through partnership with Indian Capital Technology Center
For 25 years, CaptiveAire has been a proud part of the Muskogee community, and its commitment to growth continued with a significant expansion that was completed in 2023. The $30 million investment included the construction of a new 130,000 square-foot production and warehouse complex dedicated to HVAC product lines, along with new equipment. The expansion created approximately 100 new jobs, adding to the existing local workforce of 220 employees, and doubled the plant’s production capacity.
A key factor in the success of this expansion has been CaptiveAire’s partnership with Indian Capital Technology Center.
Through a Training for Industry Program agreement, funded by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and administered by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, ICTC has played a crucial role in preparing the new hires.
ICTC provided comprehensive training, including pre-production, safety, and technical skills, tailored specifically to meet CaptiveAire’s needs. This training has been instrumental in ramping up production on the new lines, allowing CaptiveAire to better serve their customers with shorter lead times and faster replacement timelines.
The relationship between CaptiveAire and ICTC is mutually beneficial. CaptiveAire has previously donated equipment to ICTC, offering HVAC students hands-on training tools that directly relate to the skills required in the industry. Many of these students go on to join CaptiveAire, entering the workforce with strong fundamentals in refrigeration, brazing, and electrical controls—skills that are critical to the company’s operations.
“I have enjoyed attending the Advisory Committee meetings at ICTC,” said Shane McCullough, plant manager at CaptiveAire- OK Plant. “The committee is a good tool to ensure that the curriculum stays relevant to the needs of the area businesses. Producing graduates with relevant skills will have the biggest impact on Oklahoma’s economy.”
CaptiveAire’s experience with ICTC highlights the value of collaboration between businesses and local technology centers. The customized, cost-effective training provided through the TIP agreement, has not only supported CaptiveAire’s growth but also provided ICTC students with meaningful career opportunities. CaptiveAire strongly encourages other businesses to explore similar partnerships, especially when local tech centers offer programs aligned with their industry needs.
In recognition of their outstanding collaboration and support, CaptiveAire was honored with the ICTC Partner for Progress Award in February 2024.
