Workforce Development
Okmulgee has an advantage for workforce development few cities in America have the opportunity to experience. We have Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, an accredited institution of higher education with 36 technical degree programs of study that lead the student to Associate in Applied Science degrees, Associate in Science degrees, and Bachelor of Technology degrees.
​
Both local and state workforce organizations and our customized higher education and CareerTech training systems work together to ensure that your business will have access to a pipeline of talent to get you started and keep you going.
​
Oklahoma is rated No. 9 in Workforce Training Leaders in the 2019 State Rankings report by Business Facilities. Oklahoma has seen a significant increase in graduates in high-demand fields powering our economy.
​
Quality employers attract quality labor. Our 2019 Okmulgee County Labor Attraction Study proves our ability to attract and retain skilled and professional workers for our high-tech industries.
STEM Labs in Okmulgee Public Schools
Today’s jobs require more specialized skills than ever before. Okumulgee is preparing a workforce that is able to meet and take on the challenges of tomorrow. With the advent of STEM labs in the Okmulgee school system, they are more than capable of meeting and taking on these challenges head-on.
From 2010 to 2015, there was a 28% increase in the number of students graduating with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. Personalized learning has emerged as perhaps the most promising innovation in education. Currently the largest areas of enrollment growth among STEM programs are:
- Computer and Information Sciences 35.2%
- Engineering 34.9%
- Mathematics and Statistics 22.8%
- Agriculture and Related Sciences 8.5%
Okmulgee Public Schools boasts a state of the art STEM Lab to enhance the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math studies. In 2020, the CP Kelco STEM Lab was designed and installed by Creative Learning Systems at the Dunbar Campus (grades 5 - 8). By 2021, STEM labs will be in all of Okmulgee Public School campuses - with the next one planned for installment at the Okmulgee Primary School, pending funding availability. Other Okmulgee County school districts also utilize the Okmulgee Public Schools STEM Labs as availability allows. There is also a STEM engineering lab at Okmulgee High School.
The Okmulgee High School ACE program is an exciting and innovative contemporary learning environment. It is one of the first personalized learning programs in Oklahoma. A personalized learning program, students acquire the learning and skills that are needed in today’s rapidly changing world and helps students find solutions to problems independently.
Follow the students on their STEM journey on Facebook.
OSUIT is a recognized leader in applied technology education and is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry and a nearly 90% placement rate. OSUIT offers 36 degree programs that are consistent with emerging market trends and prepare students to fill a qualified industry profession. OSUIT partners with global corporations to develop academic coursework and practical training environments using industry-caliber equipment to create a seamless classroom to career transition. For the fifth time, OSUIT has ranked in the top 30 Regional Colleges West region for the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings for 2020. They are also ranked in the top 10 Best Colleges for Veterans, holding the highest military graduation rate of 75% and the highest military retention rate of 97% among all career and technical colleges ranked.
​
Located in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, OSUIT partners with global corporations to develop academic coursework and practical training environments using industry-caliber equipment to create a seamless classroom to career transition.
​
OSUIT, through their Economic Development and Training Center, can provide customized training for your employees:
-
Quality Management Systems
-
OSHA 30
-
Root Cause Analysis
-
Manufacturing - Basic and Advanced
-
Technical Skills
-
Soft Skills
-
Financial Literacy
GCTC in Okmulgee serves the vocational training needs within our community and in conjunction with our manufacturing and employment base. They have been serving high school and adult students from Okmulgee County for over 30 years and won the 2019 “Best in the World” Contest for Best Vocational School in 2019.
Green Country Technology Center is one of 29 technology center districts in Oklahoma which are accredited by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Full-time educational programs include Licensed Practical Nursing, Health Careers Certification, Nursing Transition, Medical Office Assistant/Executive Administrative Assistant, Carpentry, CNC Manufacturing, Welding, Computer Aided Drafting, and HVAC. In August 2020, a Cosmetology program was added.
GCTC also offers adult education training in short-term classes, day and night, as well as customized business and industry classes when requested. A variety of safety, computer and health classes can be arranged for groups needing special training times. A list of some of their short-term courses can be found at: https://www.careertechweb.org/gctc/.