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Central Tech proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Curtis Baker, Practical Nursing Coordinator, to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, effective March 26, 2024. This prestigious position, appointed by Governor Stitt, recognizes Dr. Baker’s significant contributions and dedication to the nursing profession and education.
Baker brings to the Board a rich background in nursing and education, with degrees from Seminole Junior College, East Central University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Phoenix, culminating in a PhD in Nursing. His extensive educational background and professional experience will be invaluable in advancing the Board’s mission to protect the public and ensure the highest standards of nursing practice and education in Oklahoma.
Reflecting on his appointment, Baker said, “When I found nursing, I found my home. When I found Central Tech, I found my vacation home.” His dedication to nursing and education is evident in his work and his desire to serve on the Board. “As an educator, I am committed to ensuring that our educational programs meet rigorous standards and accountability, and our nurses uphold professional integrity in every aspect of care. Serving on the Board allows me to give back to the profession that has given so much to me and to help safeguard the health and well-being of my family.”
Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech, expressed the institution’s pride in Baker’s achievement: “We are immensely proud of Dr. Baker and his appointment to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. His dedication to nursing education and his commitment to excellence are reflective of Central Tech’s values and mission. This appointment is not only a testament to his hard work and dedication but also an honor for our entire district.”
Baker’s term on the Board, which consists of 11 members, including 6 registered nurses, 3 licensed practical nurses, and 2 members from the public, will last for five years. His role will be crucial in shaping the future of nursing in Oklahoma, ensuring that the state’s nursing programs continue to meet the highest standards and that nurses across the state are equipped to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Central Tech congratulates Dr. Baker on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to supporting him in his efforts to contribute to the nursing profession and the health and safety of the Oklahoma public.
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Central Tech attended the BPA State Leadership Conference from March 4-6, 2024, held at the Cox Business Convention Center located in Tulsa, OK.
Central Tech is excited to share the outstanding achievements of our students in more than 30 events, with 28 qualifiers advancing to nationals in Chicago, IL, scheduled for May 10-14, 2024. We would like to give special recognition to Athena Frank, Business & Information Technology Instructor at Drumright, Angela Brownfield, Business & Information Technology Instructor at Sapulpa, and Joe Kennedy, Digital Media Instructor at Drumright, for guiding students to victory in their events. Congratulations to all students on their achievements!
We are proud to acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments of our students at Central Tech. Together, they have been honored with numerous awards, including 3-2-1 Grow Chapter for Drumright and Sapulpa, Platinum Chapter, Community Service, Environmental Action Awareness, Safety Awareness, Special Olympics, Marketing & Communications, Quality Chapter, and Chapter Award of Excellence (for both secondary and postsecondary categories) for Drumright. Frank received the Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to BPA. Each campus had students, Chloe Bell (Sapulpa) and Charlotte Sipes (Drumright), elected as state officers. Additionally, students were recognized individually for their contributions. Drumright students Katy Knapp, Dezirae White, Aliviah Jolly, Maggie Battles, Noah Gosney, Priscilla Rogers, Aspen Nelson, and Layla Hicks received Torch awards. Recruiter of the Year and Member of the Year awards were received by Maggie Battles (secondary) and Dezirae White (postsecondary). Also, Maggie Battles was granted the Gina Hubbard Scholarship. Chloe Bell, Brooke Sharkey, and Edie Tillery, students from Sapulpa, were awarded the Oklahoma BPA Merit Scholar. What a successful event for Central Tech students!
“Our Central Tech BPA Chapter is one of the best in the state, and it is fun to witness the friendships and skills these students develop over the year. However, the real joy comes from seeing our students up on the stage and seeing how important it is from them to be recognized for their hard work and commitment,” said Nancy Overton, Central Tech’s assistant campus director on the Drumright campus.
As the top Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) nationwide, BPA provides students with a special opportunity to develop essential skills and build valuable relationships. Being part of BPA gives access to diverse learning opportunities that assist students in improving their fundamental knowledge and getting ready for the challenging business environment today. Through BPA membership, students can explore careers paths in Business Administration, Computer Programming, Finance & Accounting, Graphic & Web Design, Human Resources, Information Technology, Small Business Entrepreneurship, and Video Production.
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Since the fifth grade, Google Data Center Technician Peter Sansing knew exactly what he wanted for his future career. “Our teacher made us write an essay about what we want to do when we grow up. Funny enough, in my essay I wrote ‘I want to work on computers and the internet,’” said Sansing with a chuckle.
While the end goal of working in I.T. was always clear to him, it wasn’t until high school that Sansing discovered the path that would lead him to achieve his ultimate dream of working for Google at their data center in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Kellyville Public School District, where Sansing attended high school, has partnered with Central Technology Center for decades to offer concurrent enrollment to high school students for free. Excited about the opportunity to learn more about the industry he aspired to work in, Sansing completed both the Business Information Technology and Network Security & Administration programs before graduating.
Through the technology center’s programs, Sansing and his classmates had the opportunity to take field trips to work on client hardware in the field, getting first hand experience to apply the skills they learned in class and labs.
“Those types of hands-on opportunities to build our skills out in the field were amazing,” said Sansing. “It definitely built the foundation that helped me move forward in my career. I was also able to have the choice of taking Central Tech with concurrent credits hours to either begin a college degree program or to use what I had learned to get my certifications and start my career immediately. I personally ended up going straight into the I.T. field after graduating high school and am glad I had that option.”
When asked if he had a particularly impactful instructor, Sansing was quick to answer: Brian Babcock. Babcock, or “B” as his students affectionately call him, was instrumental in shaping Sansing’s career path. “He has this ability to teach people with a wide variety of learning styles,” said Sansing. “He really learns who each person is, and then tailors their learning experience to that student. It’s a skill that not many instructors have.”
Sansing got a taste of what it was like to be a Googler in 2017, when he worked as a temporary contractor for six months. The contract came to an end, but Sansing was hooked.
After applying several times over the years, he finally landed a job at the Google data center in 2022 as a network administrator, supporting, managing, and maintaining networks and servers. “I have enjoyed every day as a Googler ever since,” said Sansing. “There are so many great perks about working here, but the overall work culture is probably my favorite thing. Everyone has your back, and we all work together as a team.”
Leadership at Google recognizes the importance of a skilled workforce, which aids in their ability to hire local talent.
“Google is proud to employ hundreds of hardworking Oklahomans at our data center in Mayes County since 2011,” Google Oklahoma Data Center Site Lead Paul Juarez said. “Our data center Googlers work in a variety of roles, from computer technicians and engineers to food services, maintenance, and security. The focus of Oklahoma CareerTech to develop a skilled workforce makes a difference to companies like Google who prioritize hiring from within the community. Hiring local is not only good for business, it’s the right thing to do.”
Over 94% of Oklahoma CareerTech graduates like Sansing have positive placement after completing their program or certification, meaning they are either employed, join the military or continue their education.
“We are immensely proud of Peter’s success and the countless other graduates whose training at Central Tech has paved the way for their professional achievements,” said Central Tech Superintendent Kent Burris. “Peter’s story exemplifies our commitment to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields. It’s gratifying to see our graduates, like Peter, not only secure jobs but thrive at companies like Google, demonstrating the caliber of education and training provided in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system.”
Professionalism, workplace etiquette, communication, and hardware and network troubleshooting are all skills that Sansing said he uses regularly at his job. “Basically I apply almost everything I learned from my time at Central Tech on a daily or weekly basis here at work,” said Sansing. “The courses are geared toward certification and are designed for you to get out of it what you put in. So if you are hard working and get your classwork done, Central Tech will help you get the certification that you need.”
“To look back and see that I am still on that career path I set out on in fifth grade, working on computers and on the internet, and to be working for one of the top companies in the world, it has definitely been a unique and fulfilling experience. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without Central Tech.”
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Central Tech proudly named Geeding Construction, Inc. as their 2024 Partner in Progress at the annual celebration held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Edmond, Oklahoma. This event is dedicated to recognizing business and industry partners who have shown an outstanding commitment to working alongside Oklahoma CareerTech technology center districts to support and enhance educational programs.
Since its establishment in 1982, Geeding Construction, Inc., a premier family-owned pipeline construction and maintenance company, has significantly contributed to the advancement of Central Tech’s pipeline training initiatives. The company’s unwavering support since expanding its operations to Drumright in 2013 has been instrumental in enriching the educational experiences of both students and professionals.
“Geeding Construction has set a sterling example of how industry partnerships can profoundly impact technical education,” stated Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech. “Their active involvement and the resources they’ve provided have been pivotal in not only enhancing our program’s quality but also in ensuring our students and clients gain practical, industry-relevant skills.”
The contribution of Geeding Construction, led by Drumright’s General Manager Mr. Mark Mott, encompasses the development of two specialized outdoor training yards equipped for hands-on learning in pipeline and excavation operations. These facilities stand as a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled workers.
Mark Cotner, assistant superintendent at Central Tech, emphasized the partnership’s role in achieving educational excellence. “Geeding Construction’s generosity with their time, equipment, and expertise has not only enhanced our training facilities but also ensured they meet the highest industry standards. Their commitment to our clients’ careers and students’ education is truly remarkable.”
The Partners in Progress celebration serves as an annual acknowledgment of the valuable collaborations between Oklahoma CareerTech technology center districts and their business and industry partners. Each partnership, like the one with Geeding Construction, Inc., is celebrated for its unique contribution to enhancing the educational landscape and providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.
As Central Tech looks to the future, the continued collaboration with industry leaders such as Geeding Construction, Inc. remains a cornerstone of their strategy to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the workforce.
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The Oklahoma State Legislature has officially recognized Central Tech and Freymiller Trucking for their collaborative efforts in launching the transformative Second Chance Program, which provides justice-involved individuals with critical skills and opportunities in the trucking industry.
Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training program has garnered state-wide appreciation for its unique approach to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration to productive community life. The program focuses on equipping these individuals with employable skills, particularly in acquiring a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential in high demand within the trucking sector.
Central Tech’s partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma CareerTech, and Freymiller, a leading name in the transportation industry, has been pivotal in the execution of this educational initiative. Freymiller, with its over fifty years of excellence in transportation, has long been committed to community development and workforce advancement. This partnership culminated in the creation of the Second Chance Program.
John Thorpe, director of Truck Driving Training at Central Tech, stated, “This partnership is more than just training; it’s about transforming lives and breaking the cycle of re-incarceration. We are proud to work alongside Freymiller, Oklahoma CareerTech, and the Department of Corrections in this vital initiative.”
Upon completing the training at Central Tech and joining Freymiller, graduates not only embark on a career in a lucrative trade but also gain a chance to redefine their life paths. This program stands as a testament to Freymiller’s dedication to providing opportunities for those often overlooked by society.
Mark Endriss, dedicated instructor of Central Tech’s Second Chance Program shared, “When I first started teaching the Second Chance students, I was full of apprehension, unsure of what to expect. But the journey has been profoundly rewarding. These individuals, coming from diverse backgrounds, have shown immense respect and gratitude. They constantly thank me for believing in them, for seeing their potential beyond their past. It’s a privilege to witness their transformation and to be a part of their journey towards a hopeful future.”
Don Freymiller, the founder, and David Freymiller, CEO of the family-owned company, have expressed gratitude towards the state of Oklahoma for its continuous support of the trucking industry. Their innovative plan reflects a strong commitment to give back to the state by addressing workforce needs and the truck driver shortage.
In recognition of this impactful collaboration, Central Tech has awarded Freymiller the title of their 2023 Partner in Progress. The Oklahoma State Legislature, acknowledging the significance of this partnership and its contributions to the community, has extended sincere congratulations to both organizations. The citation, undersigned by notable state legislators including Senator Todd Gollihare, Senator Tom Dugger, Senator Grant Green, Senator Michael Brooks, Representative Mark Lawson, Representative Ty Burns, Representative John Talley, Representative Jon Echols, Representative Kevin Wallace, and Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert. symbolizes the state’s support and appreciation for initiatives that foster community development and economic progress.
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Central Tech’s Digital Media class had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host a visit from three distinguished actors, Bryan Withiam, John Gibbs, and Daniel Adam Warrior, all from Cushing, OK. The actors, on the eve of the highly anticipated movie premiere of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” generously took time out of their schedules to connect with students and share insights about their roles and experiences in the film.
During the engaging session, Daniel Adam Warrior, in particular, imparted several life lessons and inspirations to the aspiring media professionals. He began by sharing his life story and telling students, “It wasn’t easy. That’s it.” If you want something…You really want to do what you say you’re going to do…show up. Show up.” And he noted, “I’m here.”
This statement set the tone for a series of inspiring quotes that connected with the class emphasizing they control their decisions.
“When you say, ‘I can do it,’ you empower yourself because whether you say you can or whether you say you can’t, you’re right.”
Warrior encouraged the students to embrace failure, stating, “It’s almost…people are afraid to fail, but that’s exactly what you need to do. Hard. Totally wipe out. Scrape your knees every once in a while.” Then he encouraged by saying, “If you fall seven times, get up eight.”
Withiam discussed the meaningful connections formed on set, particularly with members of the Osage Nation, shedding light on their discussions about the importance of the sunrise as a symbol of new beginnings. He told students that, “This time of life you’re in is your building block for the future.”
Gibbs shared his thoughts on this remarkable project, stating, “Just for this to be in Oklahoma, in our own backyard, it’s a big part of Oklahoma history that hasn’t had light shed on it until now. A film of this magnitude, it’s unreal that it was filmed in Oklahoma.”
The actors stressed the importance of purpose in their digital content creation, with Warrior stating, “You have an opportunity.” Generate content with a clear purpose and intention driving it.
Addressing the central theme of deadlines, Warrior emphasized, “Deadline. Deadline. Deadline is your future if you want to get into media. That’s the thrill of it! You can condense a really good story, a good project, and streamline it if you find an efficient way to do it.”
Warrior concluded the inspirational visit with the words by asking the students, “How big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail? Go for that!”
The Central Tech Digital Media class is designed to provide students with a thrilling journey into the world of storytelling. The program focuses on collaboration, allowing students to produce captivating streaming content, podcasts, and short films. Students also learn videography, photography, and editing techniques, enabling them to create and share live broadcasts, podcasts, and commercials while honing their creative communication skills.
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Central Tech, a leading provider of career and technology education in Oklahoma, celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art cosmetology program on the Sapulpa campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 10th at 4:00 PM. This significant milestone represents a major stride in creating exciting educational pathways for aspiring cosmetologists.
Crystal Moore, cosmetology instructor for Central Tech on the Sapulpa campus, spoke enthusiastically about the program, emphasizing its unique benefits. “A lot of people want to become cosmetologists, and at Central Tech, we offer a distinct advantage. Our high school students can take this course, without costly tuition and with fewer hours of training before testing by the state board of cosmetology compared to traditional students. Furthermore, our new facility, in my opinion, stands as the most beautiful in Oklahoma.”
Moore announced that in December, the program will extend its services to the public, offering an experience similar to a genuine salon. It’s essential to note that all salon services provided will be within the scope of what students have learned during their class hours. These services will be performed exclusively by students while under the direct supervision of their instructor, ensuring the quality aligns with their learning progress.
Kim Howard, Campus Director for Central Tech’s Sapulpa campus, echoed the excitement surrounding the expansion of the cosmetology program. “Our waitlist for cosmetology consistently has 110 prospective students each year. With the addition of this new class, we can now enroll and serve an additional 40 students. Our confidence in the job market’s capacity to support more graduates is well-founded,” stated Howard.
“Our Drumright cosmetology program enjoys a high placement rate, and we recognized the need for a second class in Sapulpa. This change particularly benefits high school students in proximity to this campus, considering their other commitments before and after school. It saves them up to 40 minutes each way in travel.”
Howard hinted at the possibility of future expansion, saying, “If industry demand continues to remain high, necessitating more graduates to meet workforce needs, we will explore adding an evening class, mirroring the successful approach with our HVAC program. We are genuinely thrilled to offer cosmetology to this side of the district, given the tremendous potential this occupation holds.”
Central Tech’s Superintendent, Kent Burris, emphasized the institution’s commitment to delivering diverse educational opportunities in alignment with data-driven decision-making and workforce demands. “We are excited to introduce the Sapulpa cosmetology program as part of our ongoing efforts to provide quality education and prepare our students for rewarding careers,” stated Burris.
The new Sapulpa cosmetology facility boasts impressive specifications, featuring 4,100 square feet of space, 20 salon stations in the main studio, 6 nail stations, and 3 pedicure stations in the nail room, as well as 3 facial chairs in the facial room. Additionally, the classroom can accommodate up to 20 students, effectively serving 40 students annually.
Central Tech remains dedicated to expanding its program offerings to address workforce needs and elevate its level of service to the public. The introduction of the Sapulpa cosmetology program reflects Central Tech’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities.
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10/24/23 update: The 2023 Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament raised $21,303.76.
The 17th Annual Central Tech Foundation Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Buffalo Rock Golf & Venue in Cushing on September 25, 2023.
This years incredible tournament sponsors were Drumright Dental Center, MV Purchasing, Premier Truck Group of Tulsa, and SpiritBank. The response was amazing with 29 business and community sponsors at the platinum, gold, silver, and bronze levels.
Over $19,000 in proceeds was raised from this tournament and will be used to provide scholarships to Central Tech students as they develop new technical careers for future employment. Last year the Central Tech Foundation helped 38 students.
With two flights of golfers in each round, the tournament was spread out over the morning and afternoon.
A FLIGHT
The morning flights included 18 teams with 72 golfers.
In the AM closest-to-the-pin competition was Guy Emerson of the Premier Truck team 3 on hole 2 and Trevor Montgomery of the Consolidated Turbine Specialists on hole 11. Montgomery also won closest-to-the-line on hole 18.
Morning A flight winners were MV Purchasing team 2 placing first while DC Bass Construction placed second.
B FLIGHT
B flight winners consisted of Tedford Insurance securing first and Consolidated Turbine Specialists winning second.
AFTERNOON
The afternoon flights consisted of 11 teams with 43 golfers.
The PM competition for closest-to-the-pin was Cameron Dullea from Merrifield Office Solution on 2 and Zach Enzbrenner from Stromme on hole 11. Greg Caldwell from SpiritBank won closest-to-the-line on hole 18 for men with Emily Cline from Arnold Outdoor on hole 18 for women.
A FLIGHT
Afternoon A flight first place winner was RCB Bank with Merrifield Office Solution winning second.
B FLIGHT
In the afternoon B Flight, First United Bank placed first and Dr. Cantrell’s Vision Source placed second.
See all photos on Facebook here.
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Central Tech is proud to announce that several members of its esteemed staff have been recognized with individual awards for their exceptional contributions and dedication to Career and Technical Education (CTE) during the fiscal year 2023. These awards not only reflect their individual achievements but also highlight Central Tech’s commitment to excellence in CTE.
The following staff members have been honored with awards from various esteemed associations and institutions:
Ryan Benton received the Outstanding New Professional Award for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Division from the Oklahoma Association of Career & Technical Education Awards (OkACTE). This accolade recognizes Ryan’s potential to become a leader within his division and offers him a complimentary registration to the Oklahoma Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Legislative Seminar, along with support for expenses related to the ACTE convention.
Julie Bird was named the New Teacher of the Year for the Health Division by the OkACTE. This award celebrates Julie’s outstanding contributions to innovative career and technical education programs, showcasing her early-career commitment to excellence.
Athena Frank was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award by the Oklahoma State University – College of Education. This prestigious award recognizes Athena’s remarkable career accomplishments and ongoing contributions to her profession and beyond.
Monica Frick was presented with the Teacher Educator of the Year for the Trade & Industrial Division award by the OkACTE. Monica’s commitment to teacher preparation and professional development within CTE programs has been highlighted through this accolade.
Nick Gaunt earned two notable awards – the Gerrity Air Force Association Teacher of the Year from the Central Oklahoma Gerrity 215 Air Force Association, and the Air & Space Forces Association Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year from the Air & Space Forces Association. These honors showcase Nick’s exceptional dedication to cybersecurity education and his significant impact on student success.
April Nienhuis received the Dr. Dennis Portis III Rising Star Award for the New and Related Services Division from the OkACTE. Additionally, she was recognized as the New Professional of the Year by the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association (OKSPRA). These awards highlight April’s outstanding leadership and dedication to the Oklahoma CareerTech system within a short span of time.
John Thorpe and Truck Driver Training were bestowed with the Distinguished Achievement Award from the OkACTE. This honor celebrates their technology center’s innovative accomplishments that have positively impacted students and the community.
For the 33rd consecutive year, Central Tech received the Gold Star of Excellence Award from the OkACTE. Central Tech is the only technology center that has earned this award every year since its inception in 1990. This award is presented to technology centers demonstrating a high level of excellence that meet a variety of community needs through outstanding programs.
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Central Tech, a leading provider of technical education, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Drumright campus with the addition of a new south wing. This expansion, initiated by former superintendent Ron Dyer, aims to create more space for the Biomedical Sciences (Biomed) Academy, allowing it to accommodate a greater number of students and enhance the educational experience.
The new south addition at Central Tech’s Drumright campus comprises three distinct areas designed to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the community. As students enter the new addition, they will be welcomed by an entrance and lobby that provides a covered entry to keep them out of the weather when exiting the bus. This area will also serve as a lobby for individuals utilizing the conference center.
A significant feature of the south addition is the Cimarron Conference Center, a versatile space that will serve as a meeting venue for Central Tech, its business partners, and clients. This center will also double as a tornado shelter and is designed to accommodate over 800 people, which would safely accommodate all persons on campus.
The third section of the south addition will house the expanded Biomedical Sciences classroom. Through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the program will extend its offerings from junior and senior high school students to a full academy. Starting with incoming sophomores in high school, the expanded program will increase capacity from 30 to 60 students. Additionally, the program’s duration will be extended from a 2-year program to a comprehensive 3-year program.
Shane Bruce, Campus Director of Central Tech in Drumright, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, saying, “We are thrilled to offer the Biomedical Sciences Academy to more students, effectively doubling our capacity. By extending the PLTW program, we will provide an exceptional educational experience, preparing students for successful careers in the medical field.”
Kent Burris, Superintendent of Central Tech, commented, “This campus expansion is an exciting milestone for Central Tech as we continue to grow and meet the needs of the workforce. We are dedicated to providing quality technical education and creating opportunities for our students to excel.”
Looking ahead, Central Tech has ambitious plans. The organization will soon unveil the grand opening of its cosmetology program on the Sapulpa campus, further diversifying its educational offerings in Sapulpa. Central Tech aims to expand its range of full-time programs in the coming years, including doubling the enrollment in the Truck Driver Training program within two years. Collaboration with other educational partners will be pursued to maximize opportunities for students, while the business and industry department intends to extend its reach to more businesses in the district. Furthermore, Central Tech’s short-term training initiatives will focus on researching and expanding law enforcement training opportunities.
Central Tech remains committed to its mission of providing excellent technical education that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce, preparing individuals for successful careers and contributing to the growth and development of the local community.