Podcast returns as CareerTech Conversations
Oklahoma CareerTech has relaunched its podcast as CareerTech Conversations with a new episode in which Interim State Director Lee Denney talks about her role at ODCTE.
She also shares her thoughts about CareerTech student organizations and the many ways the system delivers on its promises to students and businesses across the state.
The podcast is available on the CareerTech Conversations website and your favorite podcasting app. You can watch a video version on YouTube.
Keep up with CareerTech Conversations on Twitter and Facebook.
Southern Tech opens Empower Academy
Southern Technology Center opened the Empower Academy earlier this month to help students improve reading, writing, speaking and comprehension and prepare for high school equivalency exams.
The eight-week program has two tracks: one for adult students and one for high school students. The adult program opened Aug. 15, and the high school program is scheduled to open Sept. 6.
It is funded by a federal grant through Oklahoma CareerTech.
Read more about it on The Ardmoreite website or Southern Tech’s website.
Southwest Tech uses lottery grant for virtual reality system
Southwest Technology Center has used an Oklahoma CareerTech lottery grant to add virtual reality to its training programs.
The tech center has added HTC VIVE systems to 11 full-time programs to allow students to experience virtual work-based learning in classes ranging from health to aircraft maintenance.
Read more about the systems on Southwest Tech’s website.
CareerTech Champion: Sandra Jenkins - Indian Capital Technology Center and FCCLA
Sandra Jenkins had no plans to pursue a career in cooking when she enrolled in the culinary arts program at Indian Capital Technology Center. In fact, Jenkins said, she wants to be a forensic psychologist – a far cry from running a restaurant or baking cakes.
But enrolling in the program was a strategic move for the Hilldale High School student, who plans to attend Tulsa Community College this summer.
“I didn’t plan to go into the food service industry, but with my new culinary skills, I will be able to pay my way through college,” she said.
Jenkins competed in the Oklahoma FCCLA state contest; FCCLA is the CareerTech student organization affiliated with family and consumer sciences education. She improved her cooking skills at Indian Capital, earning her eFoodHandlers and ServSafe credentials.
Jenkins said she is now able to cook more food for herself and her family, as well as work at Domino’s Pizza and as a line cook at the Oklahoma Renaissance Fair.
“I have also learned to handle high-stress environments,” she said.
In addition to cooking skills, Jenkins learned to communicate better, and she said she used those communication skills to make new friends through the program.
The Indian Capital grad had this message for employers who might be considering hiring a CareerTech student.
“When we graduate, we already have experience from our courses,” she said, “and we will work hard to prove we deserve to be employed.
“CareerTech students are hard workers, no matter what program we are in.”
Useful links
Follow us on Twitter at @okcareertech and find us on Facebook at OklahomaCareerTech and on Instagram at oklahomacareertech and read our blog, Oklahoma CareerTech Delivers. Find our podcast at https://www.cthorizon.org/.
For news about Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, subscribe to CareerTech communications.
State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Center for Research in Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
Whatever you do, don’t do it halfway. -- Bob Beamon
