State director talks to News 9 about CareerTech
News 9 recently talked to Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken about the growth of career and technology education, workforce demand and what’s next in Oklahoma.
“There’s nothing more important right now than linking academic skills to hands-on skills and growing leadership and personal development for students,” he told the news station.
Read more and see the video on the News 9 website.
Autry Tech students participate in NASA program
Students in the Computerized Machining (CNC Machining) program at Autry Technology Center are taking their skills to new heights through participation in NASA’s HUNCH hardware program.
NASA HUNCH (High school Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) gives students the opportunity to design and manufacture real components used by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Through the program, students work on authentic, NASA-approved projects that support crew systems and operations in microgravity.
In the hardware category, students produce high-quality flight-ready or ground-support components, such as stowage lockers, tools, and other equipment essential to ISS missions. The program provides hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing processes while emphasizing precision, teamwork, and problemsolving.
Read more on the Autry Tech website.
Oklahoma businessman praises CareerTech
An Oklahoma businessman and former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives praised the CareerTech system in a recent column in The Oklahoman.
McBride wrote about how the Oklahoma CareerTech system was established as a “coordinated, statewide system” that would also be local with a clear objective of workforce education. Its success is a result of planning for a stable framework that allowed adaptation as needed, he wrote.
Read more on The Oklahoman’s website.
Pioneer Tech cosmetology program demos hand treatment
During a visit to Pioneer Technology Center, communications and marketing professionals from across the state saw firsthand how cosmetology students learn through hands-on experiences and not just textbooks.
Cosmetology instructor Kayla Randol provided paraffin wax treatments to the visitors, showing them what students at Pioneer Tech are learning. Pioneer Tech added the treatment to its manicure and pedicure services. The tech center also uses it for recruiting when sophomores visit, Randol said.
Catch up on CTE Month activities
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
Education and work are the levers to uplift a people. -- W.E.B. Du Bois
