Oklahoma CareerTech to play a leading role in plans to expand apprenticeships and internships
Oklahoma CareerTech would play a pivotal role in Gov. Kevin Stitt’s proposal to create 250 new apprenticeships and internship programs across the state.
“I want to sign a bill that creates more internship and apprenticeship programs,” Stitt said Monday in his seventh State of the State address. “If we get this right, we’re going to lead the nation in workforce development.”
Oklahoma CareerTech is the state’s hub for registered apprenticeships, said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken.
“We have built a model that can revolutionize youth apprenticeships,” he said.
Oklahoma CareerTech can facilitate two avenues for apprenticeships: the U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program and Oklahoma CareerTech apprenticeships. The two paths allow CareerTech to customize apprenticeship programs for employers’ specific needs and provide targeted experiences for apprentices.
CareerTech provides subject matter experts on apprenticeships for all Oklahoma employers even if they do not use CareerTech services or recruit from CareerTech programs. In addition, students can enter apprenticeships under the auspices of CareerTech whether or not they enroll in CareerTech programs.
This effort aligns with Oklahoma’s commitment to workforce development, ensuring more Oklahomans gain hands-on experience and in-demand skills to succeed in high-paying careers, Haken said.
“Apprenticeships allow workers to earn while they learn,” he said. “They allow workers to attain knowledge and develop skills while continuing to provide for themselves and their families.”
The goal is to bridge the skills gap by connecting students, career changers and job seekers with on-the-job training in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health care, aerospace and information technology.
“Our mission at Oklahoma CareerTech is to provide real-world training that leads directly to career success,” Haken said. “Gov. Stitt’s plan would ensure that more Oklahomans have access to high-quality work-based learning experiences that prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Connecting students with paid positions and creating employer-driven programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities is core to CareerTech’s mission, Haken said. CareerTech will provide technical training, industry-recognized certifications and support services to help participants transition seamlessly into the workforce.
“Gov. Stitt’s proposal aligns with Oklahoma’s broader workforce strategy to strengthen the state’s economy and make Oklahoma a top destination for businesses seeking a skilled workforce,” Haken said. “By leveraging CareerTech’s expertise, the state is taking a proactive approach to workforce readiness, ensuring businesses have access to qualified workers and Oklahomans have pathways to stable, rewarding careers.”
For more information on apprenticeships and how they can benefit companies, email WBLadmin@careertech.ok.gov or visit okcareer.tech/WBL. Interested companies can also contact Justin Siler, CareerTech’s work-based learning manager, at 405-743-6812 or justin.siler@careertech.ok.gov.
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
