A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech Series

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” In this episode, I interview Kayla Crossen, a graduate of the Computer Science program and student in 2D Animation at Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

Kayla enrolled in Francis Tuttle’s computer science program as a high school junior to help her find her passion. Now, she’s about to graduate with her second certification, setting her apart from her peers as she goes on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a related field next year. Watch our interview to learn how CareerTech is widening the scope of jobs Kayla will be able to pursue.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” In this episode, Lt. Governor Pinnell interviews Hannah Cathey, a graduate of Pioneer Technology Center’s Welding and CDL programs.

As a high school junior, Hannah enrolled in her first class at Pioneer Tech, and by the summer after graduation, she had two certifications and a high-paying job. Watch to learn how CareerTech gave Hannah the confidence to pursue her passion in a male-dominated field.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” In this episode, Lt. Governor Pinnell interviews Jazlyn Hancock, a Culinary Arts graduate from Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater.

Since she was 12 years old, Jazlyn knew she wanted to be a chef when she grew up, but she didn’t know how to make that dream a reality. That changed when she met a CareerTech employee who encouraged her to try Meridian Tech. Watch the interview to learn how Meridian Tech enabled Jazlyn to complete a competitive culinary internship in Paris.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Anthony Nieto, a graduate of the Digital Media program at Green Country Technology Center who now serves as the school’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Growing up, Anthony loved to create, but he didn't know how to turn that passion into a paycheck. As a tenth grader, Green County Tech introduced him to a career in graphic design and communications, and now, he serves the technology center in the role it prepared him for years ago. Watch our interview to learn how Green Country Tech ensures their programs stay relevant to the job market.

Welcome to season two of “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” I am so excited to relaunch this series and share more CareerTech success stories from across the state. In this episode, I interview Wyatt Curry, a student in the Firefighter-EMT Academy and graduate of the Electrical Trades program at Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center.

When Wyatt lived in Texas, he was never told about CareerTech. That quickly changed when his family moved to Choctaw, Oklahoma his 8th grade year. After a couple field trips to EOC Tech, Wyatt knew that was the place for him. Watch our interview to learn how Wyatt will graduate high school career-ready with 8+ certifications.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Cameron Cooper, a graduate of the Criminal Justice & Emergency Services Program at Gordon Cooper Technology Center.

Growing up, Cameron always wanted to be a firefighter for the Shawnee Fire Department, just like his dad. When he learned that Gordon Cooper Tech offers firefighter services training, Cameron knew that was where he needed to be. Watch our interview to hear how CareerTech helped Cameron jumpstart his career while he was still in high school.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Christina Perez, a Computer Repair and Programming student at Canadian Valley Technology Center.

Christina has always enjoyed tinkering with computers. When her sixth-grade class was visited by a counselor from Canadian Valley Tech, she quickly knew that CareerTech was the path for her. Watch our interview to learn how the instructors at Canadian Valley Tech are empowering Christina and preparing her for a successful career.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Nola Rodriquez, a Practical Nursing student at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center.

Nola is a working mom of seven who has big career goals. Thanks to the excellent support system at Caddo Kiowa Tech, Nola has been able to work full time, raise her children, and care for ill family members all while pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Watch our interview to hear Nola’s encouragement to other parents looking to change career paths.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Curtis Gillis, a certified Truck Driver and Diesel Technology student at Central Technology Center.

Curtis has been around farming equipment for most of his life and always had an interest in diesels. Now, at only 19, Curtis is gaining the knowledge he needs to operate and maintain diesel trucks. Watch our interview to learn how Central Tech is preparing Curtis to open his dream truck driving business.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Santilla Smith, a student in the Industrial Technology program at Kiamichi Technology Center.

After touring in eighth grade, Santilla knew she was interested in getting an education from Kiamichi Tech. Now, at only 19 years old, she is about to graduate with a job in her field. Watch our interview to learn more about the dedicated faculty and modern facilities that interested Santilla in Kiamichi Tech.

Welcome back to “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech.” This episode features Liam Bryan, a graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Tulsa Technology Center.

Liam has always been passionate about airplanes. When he toured the aviation department at Tulsa Tech, he knew that aviation maintenance was for him. Because of Tulsa Tech’s career fairs and mechanic competition opportunities, Liam secured a job with Omni Air International before graduation. Watch our interview to learn more about Oklahoma CareerTech's fantastic networking opportunities.

Welcome back to the “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech” series. This episode features Eddie Shepherd, a Francis Tuttle student who completed the Advanced Manufacturing program and is working on his Instrumentation and Process Control Technician certification.

After leaving the military, Eddie was ready to re-enter the workforce. Because of Francis Tuttle’s veterans’ scholarship program, he was able to enroll in a specialized instrumentation program for a much lower cost than schools in other states offer. Watch our interview to learn more about the scholarship and how CareerTech is preparing Eddie for his dream career.

Join Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell as he interviews current and former students of Oklahoma CareerTech programs in his "A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech" series.

This episode features Levi Miller, a graduate of the Robotics & Electronic Automation program at Autry Technology Center. Levi shares about his experience at Autry Tech and how he secured a well-paying job right out of high school.