In recent years, we have heard a lot about the importance of workforce development. It is certainly something we take to heart at Great Plains Technology Center. Our mission has always been to prepare and train today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce needs.
One of the most significant challenges in workforce development is the growing skills gap. As manufacturing becomes more technology-driven, workers must acquire skills in areas such as robotics, automation, and advanced technical areas using state-of-the-art equipment.
I’ve seen significant change as technology has evolved in industry and the growing workforce needs during my career starting as a welding instructor and now superintendent at Great Plains Tech. The one thing that hasn’t changed is our steadfast commitment to providing current and relevant hands-on training in a real-world environment for our students.
Great Plains Technology Center’s programs have adapted to meet the evolving demands of the local manufacturing industry. We have emerged as a crucial player in narrowing the manufacturing skills gap. With the important feedback of our industry partners and invaluable advisory committee members, the hands-on training we provide students is designed to equip them with skills required by today’s manufacturing sector. With such programs as Pre-Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, Introduction to Manufacturing, Welding, Industrial Automation, Information Technology, and other trade and industrial programs, we can ensure our curriculum is aligned to meet industry needs. Adding to that, the many industry-endorsed certifications our students have earned, enables our graduates to transition into the Southwest Oklahoma workforce.
October is recognized as Manufacturing Month, which celebrates and promotes the success of U.S. Manufacturers in the global marketplace. October 4th was National Manufacturing Day, a national initiative to expose students to the real-world application of STEAM/CareerTech fields. Great Plains Tech along with our fellow Oklahoma CareerTech technology centers acknowledged the day by providing our students with information about manufacturing, and our students were able to meet several local companies including IPEX Silverline Plastics, Bar-S Foods, and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to learn how their products are made, and also learn about the many career opportunities available right here in Southwest Oklahoma. Manufacturing Day is an opportunity for manufacturers to highlight what takes place in factories across the country and to energize a future pipeline of skilled workers.
Southwest Oklahoma, as well as our great state have a rich manufacturing presence. We are fortunate to have forged strong industry partnerships all of our local manufacturing plants including Henniges Automotive in Frederick, Republic Paperboard Company in Lawton, and the three mentioned above. The collaboration these partnerships provide, help us ensure that our programs and needed industry certifications our students can earn, are aligned with the specific needs of our local manufacturers. Last year alone, our students earned 846 industry-recognized certifications!
The combined concerted effort of Oklahoma CareerTech and Great Plains Technology Center can serve as a model for how training, collaboration, and partnerships with local industries can play a pivotal role in bridging skills gaps. We proudly play an essential role in preparing the next generation of workers for tomorrow’s modern manufacturing careers.
Whether today’s students need to upskill, reskill, or learn new technical skills, Great Plains Technology Center will remain at the forefront of workforce development, innovation, and helping to bridge the skills gap in Southwest Oklahoma.
Clarence Fortney, Superintendent
Great Plains Technology Center