CareerTech helps workers, businesses through Rapid Response
Oklahoma CareerTech’s Rapid Response program works to help people who have been laid off from their jobs, but it also aims to help companies avoid layoffs in the first place.
The program, which launched earlier this year, is a partnership between Oklahoma CareerTech and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. The funding comes from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title 1 Dislocated Worker grants.
The program has three roles, said Gerrod Walker, Oklahoma CareerTech Rapid Response regional coordinator: to help businesses considered at risk for layoffs or shut-downs; to help workers who have been laid off; and to use CareerTech’s business and industry connections to bring employers to job fairs presented by Rapid Response coordinators.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Meridian Tech celebrates 50 years
Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a community open house.
Alumni, students, community partners and community members gathered for the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, more than 40 interactive activities, a campuswide scavenger hunt and cupcakes.
Read more on the Stillwater News Press website.
Red River Tech grad inspires instructors, students
Red River Technology Center recently shared graduate Lane Battles’ story for National Disability Employment Month.
Battles was born with Poland syndrome, a rare condition that resulted in an underdeveloped right arm. He completed Red River Tech’s welding program in 2020 and began a career as a welder at Halliburton Manufacturing in Duncan.
His instructors still talk about his determination and work ethic when he was a student at the tech center, saying he outworked all the students and accepted any challenge set before him.
CareerTech taught him the skills he needed to get a job and keep it, Battles said, adding that his goal every day is simply “to strive to do the best I can at my job.”
Read more on the RRTC website.
News channel shines light on Metro Tech nursing students
News 9 in Oklahoma City recently talked to nursing students at Metro Technology Centers about what they’re learning and how Metro Tech is preparing them to fill nursing shortages.
The students were getting hands-on training and told the reporter they were ready to fill positions and tackle the challenges of nursing, including the emotional toll, language barriers and burnout.
Read more and see video on News 9’s website.
Useful links
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @okcareertech and find us on Facebook at OklahomaCareerTech and on Instagram at oklahomacareertech. Find our podcast at https://www.ctconversations.org/ and watch our news show and other videos on our YouTube channel.
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
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