CareerTech working to fill long-term care shortage
An Oklahoma Voice article last week highlighted and Oklahoma CareerTech program that aims to fill worker shortages in long-term care.
The CareerTech program allows high school students to earn nursing certifications that will lead to employment or help students make their way into other health care professions.
CareerTech’s 29 technology centers offer certified nurse assistant training for high school and adult students in full-time programs, along with short-term workforce and economic development programs, Lara Morris, CareerTech health science program manager, told the Oklahoma Voice.
From there, students can get jobs or continue their education; some high school students are able to continue in a CareerTech bridge program to earn the next level of nursing certification.
Read more on the Oklahoma Voice website.
Additional money will help fill the workforce
CareerTech State Director Brent Haken told News 9 in Oklahoma City that the $68 million budget increase that the state agency is seeking will help prepare young people for work and fill workforce shortages across Oklahoma.
CareerTech received $175 million last year, and is seeking an additional $68 million from the legislature in the next budget to teach students and also to introduce students to careers at an earlier age.
“Fifth, sixth grade is really crucial to make sure that students have an idea of what careers are available so they can be motivated about education and so they can be excited about what they’re moving into,” Haken said.
Read more on the News 9 website.
Thackerville Public Schools adds FCS, FCCLA program
The Thackerville School District has added a family and consumer sciences program, along with its affiliated CareerTech student organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Classes are open to middle school and high school students and include FCS Basics, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism and Investigate FCS.
FCCLA members recently attended their first district leadership conference, where they were able to meet other FCS students and see more of what FCCLA offers, said Sandi Wolfe, FCCLA adviser.
“It has not taken me long to fall in love with this program, the curriculum, and the important tools it provides for our students,” she told the Marietta Monitor. “I am looking forward to growing FCS and FCCLA at Thackerville this year and for many years to come.”
Read more on the Marietta Monitor website.
Great Plains aviation program takes wing
Great Plains Technology Center aviation program instructor Patrika Renschen recently updated the tech center’s board about her student’s accomplishments, The Lawton Constitution reported.
Many students are planning military careers, she said, while others are applying for civilian work at Tinker and Altus Air Force bases.
Students who complete required courses can take the general aviation technician certification test. Also, GPTC works with Southwest Technology Center in Altus, which will reserve three seats each year for GPTC students to continue their education to earn aviation maintenance professional certification.
Read more on The Lawton Constitution 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.
For news about Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, subscribe to CareerTech communications.
State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
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