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Director's Memo 2026-9-8

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

High Plains Tech expanding drone program

High Plains Technology Center has plans to expand its drone training program with an evening course for adults.

The tech center has not finalized details, including dates or course length, but plans to provide practical, hands-on drone training and help students prepare for the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification. HPTC’s goals include exposing participants to the entrepreneurial possibilities associated with drone technology.

HPTC recently received a $15,250 FY2027 Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to help expand its unmanned aircraft education efforts. The grant includes funding for basic training drones; advanced UAS equipment capable of applications such as thermal imaging, inspection and agriculture; and FAA Part 107 curriculum and test-preparation materials.

Read more on the HPTC website.

 

Metro Tech partners with OKC school on health career center

Metro Technology Centers has partnered with John Marshall Enterprise High School in Oklahoma City to provide nursing care instructors in the school’s college and career center.

Students will take the same program offered at a Metro Tech campus, but without leaving their high school campus, said Kate Haydon-Emerson, Oklahoma City Public Schools executive director of workforce development.

The students will be able to earn nursing assistant certification and be able to enter the workforce or have a head start in college, KFOR reported.

Read more on the KFOR website.

 

Western Tech instructor’s culinary journey started from necessity

Western Technology Center culinary arts instructor Alex Thomison recently spoke to The Cordell Beacon about his culinary journey, which started when he was 11 and needed to help cook for his family.

In high school, he attended culinary classes at Western Tech, and his instructors saw potential, he told the newspaper. He went on to a career in restaurants before returning to Western Tech as an instructor himself.

Read more about Thomison on The Cordell Beacon website.

 

Protein-processing company partners with Pioneer Tech on apprenticeships

Lopez Dorada Foods is working with Pioneer Technology Center on apprenticeships for its maintenance employees.

The workers get hands-on experience at the protein-processing company, along with classroom instruction through Pioneer Tech. They develop job-specific skills and advance their careers, and Lopez Dorada Foods builds its workforce.

Read more on the Pioneer Tech website and learn more about apprenticeships on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.

 

Watch for CareerTech commercials on KFOR

Keep an eye out during NBC’s NFL pregame show Wednesday night before the Seahawks vs. Patriots rematch for a couple of CareerTech commercial spots. Coverage begins at 6 p.m.

 

Useful links

Follow us on X at @okcareertech and find us on Facebook at Oklahoma CareerTech and on Instagram at oklahomacareertech. Watch CareerTech 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

OK Career Guide Training Opportunities

CareerTech Curriculum

 

You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear. -- Sammy Davis Jr.
Last Modified on Sep 08, 2026
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