CareerTech ready to embrace Trump’s commitment to career training
In a fast-changing economy, one thing remains constant: the value of skills. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology or the skilled trades, the need for trained professionals has never been greater.
That’s why recent executive orders issued by President Trump that emphasize career training and workforce development are not only timely, they are essential.
Trump’s orders to modernize America’s workforce programs call for federal investments in workforce development and apprenticeship expansion. Oklahoma CareerTech would play a starring role in the president’s plan because CareerTech is the state’s hub for registered apprenticeships. We customize apprenticeship programs for employers’ specific needs and provide tailored experiences for apprentices.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Fueling workforce success: The critical need to invest in CareerTech education
It’s easy to get lost in the uproar about what’s wrong with education in Oklahoma. Are there issues in education? You bet. But there’s another story -- one that’s far too often overlooked. It’s the story of students finding purpose, educators sparking transformation, businesses and communities rallying together to build a brighter future.
Something is going right in Oklahoma education -- and CareerTech is a big part of it.
Across our state, students of all ages are gaining skills that matter. They’re learning to weld, to code, to care for patients, to manage projects and to launch businesses. They’re stepping into the real world with real experience -- often before they’ve even graduated high school.
This is what Oklahoma CareerTech does best.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
A passion for health care leads to CareerTech
Miriam McFarland’s passion for health care has been a guiding force throughout her life. Though she always knew she wanted to work in the medical field, it wasn’t until she discovered respiratory therapy — through CareerTech — that she found her true calling.
McFarland explored several roles in health care after graduating from high school in 2007, working as a hospital housekeeper, porter and nurse tech. Those early experiences opened her eyes to the many opportunities available in the medical field, but it was a respiratory therapist co-worker who made the biggest impact.
“My absolute favorite co-worker was a respiratory therapist,” McFarland said. “She took me under her wing, encouraged me and always told me I could do anything I put my mind to. After watching her, I finally said, ‘I think I could do that,’ and I never looked back.”
Inspired by that mentorship, McFarland enrolled in the respiratory care program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, offered in partnership with Oklahoma City Community College.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Pioneer Tech students raise money to help veterans
Three Pioneer Technology Center cosmetology students raised $5,000 to help Oklahoma veterans get service dogs.
Hailey Caniz-Lopez, Jordyn Smith and Danielle Hopkins, who are all SkillsUSA members, raised money with a chicken noodle dinner, a Clips for a Cause event and a raffle with donations from local businesses.
They gave the money to Honoring America’s Warriors, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit that provides assistance dogs to disabled veterans at no cost.
Read more on the Pioneer Tech website.
Metro Tech senior director accepted to Baldrige fellowship program
Kayleen Wichert, senior director of instructional quality and workforce engagement at Metro Technology Centers, has been accepted as an executive member of the 2025 Baldrige Executive Fellows Program.
Through the program, Wichert will have the opportunity to visit and learn from Baldrige award recipients.
Read more on the Metro Tech 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
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it’s not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. – Terry Pratchett
